Should i brush inflamed gums

They can make your gums tender and sore to touch, making it hard for you to brush. Women undergo hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause which can affect their gums. During these times, there would be more blood flow to the gums due to hormonal fluctuations, making their gums swollen, sensitive, or red. Eating or drinking certain acidic foods and drinks like orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime juice, etc.

Sometimes braces, retainers, dentures, or mouth guards could tug, pull, and rub against the gums constantly, which can make them sore and painful over time. Pain in the gums, signs of bleeding, or swelling gums are side-effects of chemotherapy.

The patients who undergo chemotherapy, are likely to develop stomatitis, which forms ulcers and sores. You can make your gums feel better by providing a gentle massage to the gums from the outside of your mouth. Preventive measures are always the best way to treat gum sensitivity. The measures are brushing your teeth at least twice regularly after every meal, flossing, and using mouthwash as well.

Visit your dentist for a routine dental visit. Find out more hurting gums as you visit our office. Call Sun-Park Dental today at or request an appointment online. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Home Remedies for Swollen Gums. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.

Home care for gum swelling. Home remedies for swollen gums. What caused my gums to swell? The takeaway. Read this next. Gum Disease Gingivitis and Periodontitis. What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

How to Treat Swollen Gums with Braces. For instance, chronic infections such as herpes may lead to complications that cause swollen gums. Also, oral thrush — which is a yeast infection in the mouth — can cause symptoms including swelling.

Complications from infected teeth, such as an abscess, may also lead to swelling, particularly in one area of the gums. Some other health issues may cause gum swelling, though they may be less common. Other possible causes of swollen gums include:. Seeing a dentist for regular checkups and cleaning may help identify and prevent oral health issues before they cause problems.

It is important to note that these tips are only supplements to a proper diagnosis and treatment. Swollen or irritated gums typically signal an underlying issue. Ignoring these symptoms may make the issue worse in the long term. Although maintaining good oral hygiene will protect against health problems in many cases, issues may still occur.

If oral symptoms such as swelling in the gums do occur, there are some home remedies that show promise. We cover them in more detail below:. Using a saltwater rinse may promote oral health and soothe inflammation in the gums.

A study in the journal PLOS One notes that rinsing human gum cells with saltwater in a laboratory helped stimulate wound healing. A simple saltwater rinse using about 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water should be enough for each sitting. People should let the salt dissolve, then gently swish the mixture in the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. A review in the journal Evidence-Based Dentistry notes that mouthwashes containing essential oils reduced plaque and inflammation in people with gingivitis more effectively than some medicated mouthwashes.

A study in the European Journal of Dentistry notes that in cell cultures, the essential oils of thyme, peppermint, clove, and tea tree are particularly helpful in preventing the growth of germs that can lead to common oral issues. Another study, in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research , also found that a mouthwash containing lemongrass oil reduced plaque. It also reduced other signs of gingivitis more effectively than a common medicated mouthwash. The researchers note, however, that further study is necessary.

Before using any mouthwash containing essential oils to treat swelling in the gums, people should check to be sure that it does not contain other harsh ingredients, such as alcohol.

This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. This affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.

If periodontitis is not treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Find out more about the symptoms of gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums.

If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums. You should make an appointment to see your dentist if your gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth.

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