Periodontal (gum) infections can be quite painful. But more importantly, they can be signs of larger problems to come. If you are experiencing recurring swollen gums, go through the following steps to ensure your mouth is healthy. If you do this, you can alleviate the pain that comes with swollen gums.
If you’re suffering from recurring swollen gums or bleeding gums, your dentist needs to immediately inspect them and prescribe the proper care and treatment. Swollen gums can be a precursor to something more serious (and more painful). They are also a hallmark sign of an acute periodontal abscess. Schedule an immediate appointment with your dental office to take charge of your gums’ health and wellness.
Furthermore, if you do have an abscess, dental specialists can treat it. An abscess is an infected pus-filled sac that dentists can easily treat to release infection and alleviate the intense pain. With a little local anesthesia to numb the area and a small pierce to let the infection out, you can eliminate your pain in a few seconds.
[Related: Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Health]
Once your dentist treats your gums and any occurring abscesses, you need to protect your mouth from infection. You may be given a round of antibiotics and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ensure disinfection and quality healing. Additionally, an abscess that creates a wound can take one to two weeks to completely heal. Be sure to follow the instructions that your dental specialists give to ensure proper recovery.
Once your gums are completely healed, you need to practice proper dental hygiene to avoid any incidents in the future. Brush and floss often, and make regular appointments for tooth and gum cleaning.
Emphatically, now’s the time to cut back (or quit completely) lifestyle choices that can impact your mouth’s health. Quit using tobacco products (including vaping), cut down on alcohol, and try your best to stay away from sugary foods. All of these things can help encourage gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.
[Related: How To Prevent Oral Cancer]
If you have any questions or comments about gum pain, swelling, or disease, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, feel free to get in touch with Cascadia Dental Specialists. You can fill out our online form, contact us at (425) 644-7444, or send us an email at info@cascadiadental.com. We look forward to hearing from you!