Swollen gums can be a sign of gum disease. At Advance Dental Clinic, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure and we’re on hand to help you do everything possible to keep swollen and sore gums at bay.
What to do if you have sore, swollen gums
If you have sore or swollen gums, we strongly recommend getting in touch and booking an appointment. Inflammation can be a sign of gum disease, and the sooner this is detected and treated, the better. If you do have gum disease, you may also notice additional symptoms, such as bleeding when you brush. When you see your dentist, they will ask you a couple of questions about your symptoms and then examine your mouth.
If you have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, your dentist may recommend intensive cleaning, which helps to remove plaque and tartar from the mouth. It’s important to treat gingivitis because it can become more advanced. Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is a more severe form of gum disease, which causes irreparable damage to the supportive bone tissue. This can result in the teeth coming loose and eventually falling out.
Preventing gum disease
The best ways to prevent gum disease are to practice good oral hygiene at home, to see a dentist on a regular basis and to try and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. It’s also really important to be aware of potential warning signs and to contact your dentist if you do have sore, swollen or bleeding gums.
If you have any questions about gum disease or you’re worried about inflamed gums, call us now.