What Does it Mean when Gums are Puffy?

What Does it Mean when Gums are Puffy?

Many of us grew up hearing and learning about the importance of preventing cavities, through television commercials, our schools, or our parents. While preventing cavities is certainly important, many people don’t realize that it’s also important to maintain the health of the gums. Healthy gum tissue is an integral part of a healthy mouth. When the gums are swollen, they’re not as effective at keeping bacteria away from the teeth, and the same bacteria that further inflames the gums can also lead to health issues in the body and problems with simple acts like eating and smiling.

Most of the time, when a person’s gums are puffy, or if they bleed while brushing or flossing, it’s a sign that they have gum disease. More than 75% of US adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. While gum disease can often be reversed when intercepted early, if allowed to progress, it could lead to loss of the teeth and bone in the jaw. There are some other reasons a person’s gum tissue could appear inflamed or puffy, but if your gums are swollen for more than a week or two, see your dentist. In the meantime, you may want to consider whether your gums are inflamed for another reason.

While gum tissue is fibrous, it is also delicate, and it can be easy to damage the gum tissue with incorrect brushing or flossing techniques. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush, held loosely in the hand, to gently clean the teeth and gums in a circular motion. Floss gently as well; don’t jam the floss between your teeth and into the gums, instead sliding it along the curve of each tooth. Brushing or flossing too aggressively could cause the gums to appear swollen and puffy and could lead to long-term damage, so ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the proper techniques.

Improper brushing is one of the leading causes of gum disease, which arises due to bacteria colonizing in the oral cavity in the form of plaque and tartar. While gum disease can cause some people’s gums to appear swollen, in some instances, it has no symptoms at all and can only be diagnosed at a dental checkup. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and loss of bone in the jaw, and the best way to prevent this from happening is with good oral hygiene that includes regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Other factors can affect the gums and make them swell and appear puffy. One of the possible side effects of chemotherapy can include bleeding, pain, and swelling in the gum tissue, as well as other oral infections. Smokers face an increased risk of gum disease and other conditions of the mouth, throat, and neck. Some people report inflammation in the gums during times of severe hormone fluctuation like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, and this inflammation usually resolves when the hormone balance naturally returns. In all cases, if the gums appear puffy for more than two weeks, see your dentist; your smile should be back to normal in no time.