Inflammation of the gums?
How to protect your gums and teeth in the long term

Do you sometimes feel an unpleasant pulling sensation in your gums or are you experiencing light bleeding when brushing your teeth? These are classic signs of gum inflammation. You should always have inflamed gums checked by a dentist. This will actively protect you from secondary diseases such as periodontitis.

In this article, we’ll explain about:

• Symptoms: how do you recognise the early warning signs?
• Causes: what causes inflamed gums?
• Prevention and treatment: how do proper oral care and professional teeth cleaning help to keep your gums healthy over the long run?

Look out for the following symptoms that could indicate the onset of gum inflammation:

• Swollen gums: your gums may be swollen and sensitive to touch.
• Reddened areas: healthy gums have a pale pink colour. Significant reddening may be a warning sign of inflammation.
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth: recurrent or regular bleeding when cleaning your teeth is one of the most noticeable signs of inflammation of the gums.

If you identify one or more symptoms, you should have them checked out by a dentist. If left untreated, gum inflammation – known as gingivitis – can spread.

In the worst case, this can lead to periodontitis:

• Chronic inflammation of the periodontium attacks the bone substance in the jaw.
• In the long term, this can lead to tooth loosening and, in the worst case, tooth loss.
• Early action is crucial for the health of your gums and your entire oral cavity.

In order to effectively prevent or treat gum inflammation, it is important to understand its causes. Various factors can affect the health of your gums:

Lack of fluids: if you drink too little, your oral flora can become imbalanced. Harmful bacteria have an easier time multiplying and colonising. The risk of inflammation around teeth increases.

• Constant stress: if you have a demanding job or are experiencing mental strain, this is often reflected in your health. The immune system is weakened and the body’s defence mechanisms against disease are less effective. In these cases, more bacteria than usual pass through the natural protective barrier of the oral mucosa and can trigger inflammation.
• Hormonal gingivitis: the contraceptive pill is a popular contraceptive method for women. The hormones it contains can lead to inflamed gums. In the worst-case scenario this can develop into hormonal periodontitis. The gums of expectant mothers often swell, reducing the disease barrier for bacteria. Certain hormones also promote the growth of germs. If there are too many, this can easily lead to inflamed areas and bleeding gums.
• Inadequate oral hygiene: inadequate or improper care of your teeth and gums is a major cause of inflammation of the gums. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation.
• Smoking: smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for developing gum inflammation. Smokers are more likely to suffer gum problems and have a slower rate of recovery.
• Diseases: certain systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and rheumatic diseases can increase the risk of inflammation of the gums.

If you belong to a risk group, talk to us. We can give you personalised tips for your daily oral hygiene. We can also increase the frequency of your dental check-ups. This allows us to take action before anything happens.

Careful and regular oral hygiene at home is your first step in preventing and treating inflammation of the gums.

Here are some techniques that effectively aid your daily oral care:

• Correct brushing technique: place your toothbrush at a 45º degree angle to your gums. Brush downwards away from the gums using gentle jerking movements. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can further irritate the gums.
• Daily interdental brushes and dental floss: use interdental brushes every time you brush your teeth. This will also clean the spaces between your teeth effectively. Gently pass dental floss between all your teeth once a day. This helps to remove plaque and food debris that can accumulate below the gum line.
• Mouthwashes: an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and prevent inflammation. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash specifically for sensitive gums. Please note: using mouthwash is no replacement for brushing your teeth.

Tips for choosing the right dental care products

Choosing the right products can play a crucial role in the care of inflamed or sensitive gums:

• Toothbrushes: choose a toothbrush with soft to medium-hard bristles to protect your gums. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors warn you if you are brushing too hard.
• Toothpaste: look for toothpastes that contain few abrasive particles (low RDA value). Avoid aggressive whitening toothpastes. Anti-inflammatory additives, such as camomile or tea tree oil, can help to soothe inflamed gums.

Mouthwashes: products containing chlorhexidine may be helpful for inflamed gums. You should only use these after consulting your dentist.

The impact of diet and lifestyle

A healthy diet and a considered lifestyle have a direct impact on the health of your gums. By fostering certain habits and avoiding others, you can significantly reduce the risk of gum inflammation.

• Eat a tooth-friendly diet: incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals into your daily diet. Vitamins A and C and calcium support gum health. Crunchy fruit and vegetables can help to clean teeth naturally and stimulate saliva production.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks: sugar promotes the formation of plaque. This makes it easier for bacteria to multiply and colonise. Reduce your consumption of sweets and sugary drinks as much as possible.
• Stay active and manage your stress: regular physical activity and effective stress management help to strengthen the immune system. This also improves your gums’ resistance to inflammation.

Regular professional teeth cleaning is an important part of preventive dental care. And it plays a crucial role in the treatment of inflamed gums:

• Professional cleaning can soothe inflamed gums and support the healing process.
• Thorough removal of plaque and tartar reduces the risk of new infections.

You can find out how our dental hygienists and preventive care assistants can help you with inflamed gums here: Professional teeth cleaning

---

Inflamed or bleeding gums? Don’t leave it too long, make your appointment directly with Dentalspecialist in Egerkingen: