What Causes a Swollen Gum Around One Tooth?
Every American will experience swollen or puffy gums from time to time. You may look in the mirror while brushing your teeth and notice your gums are swollen or irritated. But what if you have swollen gums around just one tooth? Although this might seem unusual, it is not uncommon and may be due to a number of factors. Here is more information on swollen gums and what it means if you have swollen gums around just one tooth.
Possible Causes of Swollen Gums around a Tooth
There are a number of possible reasons that your gum could swell in just one area, including:
- Poor hygiene: If you are not brushing and flossing properly, you may be leaving behind food debris that can cause tooth decay and inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to gum disease. Some common signs of poor hygiene are swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, bad breath, or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Gum disease: When bacteria is left to build up on the teeth it can infect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth causing inflammation, which can lead to gum disease, or periodontal disease. Approximately 50-75% of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. Signs of gum disease may include sensitive teeth, tender gums, or pockets developing between the gums and teeth.
- Abscess: If an untreated cavity allows bacteria into the tooth an abscess can develop. Swollen gums and a swollen jaw and a fever are all symptoms of an abscessed tooth. If you think you may have an abscess tooth it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your jawbone and throughout the body, causing more serious damage.
Tips on How to Treat Swollen Gums
If you notice you have swollen gums, but do not have any other serious symptoms, you can try treating the swollen gums at home. If you have had swollen gums for over 2 weeks and they are not getting better, you should consider calling your dentist and scheduling an appointment. Before you visit the dentist, here are few things you can try:
- Saltwater rinse: Rinsing with saltwater two to three times a day can be effective in reducing gum inflammation and bacteria in the mouth.
- Tea tree oil rinse: Adding three drops of tea tree essential oil to 8 ounces of warm water can create a rinse to reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth.
- Turmeric gel: Applying turmeric gel to your gums two times a day may help to prevent plaque and gingivitis. After letting it sit for 10 minutes, you can rinse off the gel with clean water.
Preventing Swollen Gums Around a Tooth
To prevent swollen gums around the teeth, the most important thing you can do is practice proper dental hygiene. The steps for proper oral hygiene include:
- Brushing at least twice daily after meals and before bedtime to remove bacteria.
- Flossing at least once each day.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every 6 months.