Swollen gums are a fairly common complaint for people of all ages — but that doesn’t mean they’re normal. Swelling is a sign your gums are irritated, inflamed, injured, or infected — all pointing to a need for prompt treatment.
Luckily, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC near the neighborhoods of Upper West Side, Manhattan, Lenox Hill, and Midtown, is ready to assist, using state-of-the-art technologies, like advanced imaging, to diagnose and treat swollen gums. Here, learn why swelling happens and how to tell when it’s time to make an appointment.
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of swollen gums, and it’s also a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease happens in stages. Early in its progression, gum swelling might be mild, increasing as the infection spreads to deeper layers of your gums.
Abscesses are another type of infection that usually begins in a tooth and spreads into your gum tissue. These infections can be quite serious, and without prompt care, the infection can spread to your bloodstream and your organs.
Cavities can also cause swollen gums, especially when the cavity is deep or involves the central pulp part of the tooth. Sometimes, an infection happens at the very tip of the tooth, causing swelling as well as pain in the tooth or jaw. Cracked and fractured teeth can cause gum swelling that can spread into your cheek area, too.
The answer to this is simple: You should always seek treatment for gum swelling that’s persistent, recurrent, or associated with other symptoms, like toothache, fever, or a sour taste in your mouth. These can all be signs of a serious infection that can spread to other areas if not treated right away.
In fact, the only time it might be OK to wait for a dental visit is if your gums are slightly swollen or tender after eating foods that are very hard or crunchy. Sometimes, these foods can irritate your gums and result in temporary, very mild swelling. If your symptoms persist, though, you still need to call the office.
During your visit, we review your symptoms and examine your gums and your teeth. Imaging studies help us evaluate the underlying structures to look for infections, foreign objects, or signs of gum disease.
Depending on the underlying cause of your swelling, we might recommend:
Often, we prescribe antibiotics or apply antibiotics directly to the tooth to treat active infections. And of course, we provide plenty of guidance to help you avoid swollen gums in the future.
If you have swollen gums, gum tenderness or irritation, bleeding gums, or other gum symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit right away so we can treat the cause and prevent more serious complications. To find out why your gums are swollen, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today.
