Swollen Gums

Why a dry mouth causes gingivitis symptoms

Do you have red swollen gums?

Pictures of gingivitis are helpful but remember, you can only see the front side of your gums. Be sure to visit your dentist or hygienist for a full gum evaluation twice each year.

The first sign of swollen gums are most obvious between your teeth. this area, called the papilla, should be pink and firm against your tooth...not like what you see in this pictiure.

Some possible causes of gingivitis

If you have gingivitis your gums will be swollen, red, and bleed when you brush, floss or touch them. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is usually completely reversible. If you never floss or brush your gum line properly you could have gingivitis and not even know it.

Learn the right way to brush and floss ... then try out your new improved skills. If your gums bleed...even if it's just a spot or two that bleeds. you probably have gingivitis. Don't worry, you can fix it.

Floss Yes flossing will make your gums swell...at first. So many first time flossers give up because floss hurts their gums and their fingers. Flossing is hard at first but worth it. You want nice, pink, firm gums right?

Keep practicing or try one of these popular floss alternatives:

• Water Floss


• AirFloss by Phillips Sonicare

Many seniors have a dry mouth. This and other factors should be taken into consideration for elderly dental care.

Here are some tips improving dry mouth symptoms.

Orthodontic brackets If you have orthodontic brackets aka dental braces care is needed to prevent swollen gums.

Orthodontic brackets are really hard to keep clean. In addition to swollen gums your teeth will decalcify (get white or yellow spots) around your brackets or worse yet cavities, if you don't keep them clean. If they are already swollen, try this gingivitis home remedy.

Hormones Pregnancy gingivitis and teenage gingivitis are both a result of hormones but can be prevented with really good brushing and flossing.

Medications There are a few medications that cause gum swelling. Many more medications cause dry mouth, with more and more kids and adults taking prescription medications, monitoring for side effects is important.

Dry mouth is included in the list of some anti anxiety medication side effects. Acne medications, heart medications, and allergy medicines can also cause dry mouth.

Why does it matter?

Inflammation from gum disease has been linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, pulmonary disease, and stroke. Take a minute to learn more about this important connection between gum disease and your health.

Swollen, sore, and bleeding gums are early indications of gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss and cause of chronic bad breath. Take a look at the causes of gum disease.

Dentistry has come a long way. We have some really cool ways of replacing your teeth. Dental implants are amazing. A great way to replace missing teeth....but expensive and time consuming.

I'm sure you have better things to do with your time and money...right? So...save your money and your teeth.

Reversing early gum disease and is very doable. Your dentist and dental hygienist can help:)

Click here for more periodontal disease photos.

Thanks for reading swollen gums. Return to gum disease cure home page.