What Might Cause Swelling Around One Tooth

Causes of Swollen Gums

When looking in the mirror, it is not uncommon to see something you may not have normally noticed about your teeth. One example is swollen gums around a single tooth. You may ask yourself--what can I do about this? There can be several reasons why the gums are swollen, such as an abscessed tooth, gum disease, or improper brushing and flossing. Here are some possible causes of swollen gums around single teeth and what you can do if they occur.

• The simplest cause is a hygienic mishap, which may just be because you are not brushing or flossing correctly or enough. This could leave behind food debris that causes inflammation or decay of the area.

• Over time, gum disease can cause swollen gums. Warning signs are pale, red, or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, pus coming from the tooth, a loose tooth, or constant bad breath and taste. Gum disease is a common culprit, and it is a condition you have to guard against every time you brush your teeth. Almost half of Americans who are 30 and older have some stage of gum disease. In the beginning, it starts out as red, swollen gums that may feel painless but bleed. As it progresses, it can cause lost teeth.

• An abscessed tooth is also a cause for swollen gums, and it is a sign of infection in or around the tooth. This can be from an untreated cavity, which makes bacteria spread and cause an infection. This can cause irritation, and you can lose the tooth if it is left unchecked. Some signs include throbbing pain, red and swollen gums, swollen jaw or face, tender teeth, fever, and a salty taste in the mouth. Treatment is required, and a dentist can provide antibiotics for the infection. A root canal may be necessary depending on the severity.

To prevent swollen gums, it is not enough to just brush twice a day; it’s also recommended to floss and use mouthwash. Make sure you have the proper tools and technique. If you have large gaps between your teeth, you should use an interdental brush to clean in between.

You should visit the dentist twice a year, have regular checkups for overall oral health, and check on your gums. A healthy mouth depends on the work you put into it, so make sure you are maintaining oral health to the best of your ability. Remember you can always sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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