When we brush our teeth in front of the mirror, sometimes we suddenly become aware of things that we had not noticed before. For example, how is it that the gums can become inflamed around a single tooth? Can you do something about it? There are several reasons why an area of the gum can become inflamed, such as a tooth abscess, gum disease, or improper brushing or flossing technique. Here are some of the causes of this common problem and what to do if it happens to you.
1. Accidents during cleaning
If inflammation occurs around a single tooth, it may be caused by improper brushing or flossing technique, as this can leave food debris on the teeth, which can lead to cavities and inflammation in the teeth. the neglected area. Over time, this improper oral hygiene practice can also lead to gum disease. Check your mouth for areas where the gums look pale, red, or swollen, and watch for any signs of bleeding during brushing, pus coming from a tooth, a loose tooth, or constant bad breath and bad taste in your mouth.
2. Gum disease
One of the most common reasons for inflammation around a single tooth is gum disease, a common condition against which it is important to be on guard every time you brush your teeth. Almost half of the adults over the age of 30 in the U.S. suffers from any of the stages of gum disease, reports the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In its initial stage, the symptoms of this disease can appear as red and swollen gums that, although they do not hurt, can bleed. Because the gums retract in certain places, loose teeth may begin to develop as the disease progresses.
3. Dental abscesses
Tooth abscesses are a very common cause of localized gum inflammation and are a sign of an infection in or around a tooth. Often times, this infection can be the result of untreated tooth decay, causing bacteria to spread into the tooth and infect it. Keep in mind that abscesses can cause irritation and ultimately, if left untreated, even cost you your entire tooth. Some of the characteristic symptoms include throbbing pain, swollen gums, swollen jaw or face, a sore or sensitive tooth, fever, and even a salty taste in the mouth. Because dental abscesses require treatment, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics for the infection or recommend a root canal to remove the infected pulp or even complete tooth extraction, depending on the severity of the abscess.
How to prevent gum inflammation
Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough – flossing between your teeth and an American Dental Association (ADA) approved mouthwash are just as important. Also, be sure to brush your teeth and floss and rinse with the proper tools and techniques. If you have a large gap between two teeth, for example, an interdental brush will help clean the gap. Also, don’t forget to go to your dental check-ups twice a year so your dentist can check the general health of your teeth and see if your gums have receding or show signs of inflammation.
Having a healthy mouth and a bright smile depends on taking care of both your teeth and your gums. Start with oral care at home and continue with visits to your dentist every half year to make sure your mouth remains healthy from ear to ear.
