Inflamed or irritated gums can be easy to brush off (no pun intended). But gum tissue doesn’t get that way for no reason. If your gums are consistently red, swollen, tender, or bleeding, something is causing it. Continue reading to find the most common culprits and see what they might mean for your oral health.
Gum Disease
By far, the most common cause of chronically inflamed gums is gum disease. It begins with gingivitis—a mild, reversible inflammation caused by plaque buildup along your gumline. However, when left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the ligaments and bone supporting your teeth.
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession are all warning signs worth calling your dentist for, so stay vigilant.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When plaque isn’t removed consistently through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and triggers an inflammatory response. Even people who brush regularly can miss spots, often along their gumline and between their teeth, which can allow bacteria to accumulate uninhibited.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a direct effect on gum tissue. Pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause can all make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, even in people with otherwise good oral hygiene. Pregnancy gingivitis, in particular, is an extremely common issue that deserves a trip to the dentist.
Certain Medications
Some medications, like blood pressure drugs, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants, can cause gum tissue to swell or overgrow as a side effect. If your gum issues started around the same time as a new prescription, you might have found your culprit.
Ill-Fitting Dental Restorations
Dentures, crowns, or bridges that don’t fit properly can create constant friction against your gums, leading to localized soreness and inflammation. If a restoration has shifted or worn over time, it might just need an adjustment.
Occasional mild soreness isn’t always cause for panic, but if you have irritated gums often, it’s probably time for professional help. The sooner gum disease or any of these other issues are caught and treated, the easier it is to manage.
About The Practice
At Killeen Choice Dental, Dr. Daood Alvi and Dr. Talal Altaher offer comprehensive gum disease treatment for Killeen patients, from scaling and root planing to the minimally invasive Chao Pinhole Technique. If your gums have been bothering you, our team is ready to help. Call (254) 220-4422 to book your visit.