Reducing Your Gum Inflammation

Here are some simple ways to reduce puffy, swollen gums.

Have you suddenly noticed that your gums are puffy, red, or tender? If so, this could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. The good news is that when these symptoms are detected early enough, our Fresno, CA, gum specialist Dr. Alexander Pritsky can provide you with simple solutions to keep gum inflammation at bay.

What is causing your gum inflammation?

Our Fresno, CA, gum specialist needs to get to the bottom of what’s causing your gum inflammation so he knows how to properly treat it. Common causes of inflamed gums include,

• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing regularly or properly)
• Tobacco
• Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy; menopause)
• Gum disease
• Irritation due to oral prosthetics (e.g. dentures)

The root cause will dictate how we go about treating your swollen gums. In fact, by catching gum disease early when it’s still in the gingivitis phase we can even reverse it. Of course, this means following these practical and effective tips,

Eat a healthy and balanced diet: A healthy diet means reducing your intake of sugar and starches, which can increase plaque and tartar buildup and also increase your risk for gum disease. Sugar leads to widespread inflammation, so limiting sugar will help greatly. Also, make sure your diet is rich in colorful veggies, which will provide your gums with the nutrients and antioxidants they need to reduce inflammation.

Brush and floss properly: Our gum specialist can show you proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that you are getting the best at-home clean possible but not brushing too aggressively.

We may recommend certain products such as anti-gingivitis toothpaste, an electric toothbrush (which can ensure that you brush more gently), or certain types of floss to make sure that you are truly cleaning between teeth. Your home oral routine is paramount to maintaining healthy, happy gums.

Use mouthwash: About 15 minutes after brushing your teeth you’ll want to rinse your mouth out to remove any bacteria that may still be left behind. There are special mouthwashes designed to reverse gingivitis. Also, aim to rinse your mouth out after each meal (yes, even after snacking!).

Of course, those with full-blown gum disease will often require more than just lifestyle changes. Our dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (a common way to treat gum disease), surgery (for more advanced and severe cases), or gum grafting (for receding gums due to disease).

If you are dealing with gum recession, inflammation, or other periodontal problems, our Fresno, CA, gum specialist can provide you with answers and treatment options to keep your gums healthy. To schedule a consultation with us, please call Fresno Dental Implant Center at (559) 298-3900.