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3601 Ayers Road | Millbury, OH 43447 Your gums are swollen, maybe bleeding when you brush, and they just don’t feel right. What’s going on, and should you be worried?
Inflamed gums are usually your mouth’s way of telling you something needs attention. Sometimes it’s straightforward—plaque buildup irritating the tissue. Other times, it’s an early sign of gum disease that needs professional care. The good news: when you catch inflammation early, it’s often reversible with proper care and a dental visit.
If your gums have been puffy, tender, or bleeding lately, here’s what might be causing it, what you can do right now, and when it’s time to schedule an appointment.
What Does “Inflamed Gums” Actually Mean?
When we talk about inflamed gums, we’re describing gum tissue that’s irritated and reacting—typically with swelling, redness, tenderness, and sometimes bleeding. You might notice discomfort when you brush, sensitivity along the gumline, or gums that look unusually shiny or puffy.
This inflammation is commonly linked to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Catch it at this point, and you can usually turn things around.
The Most Common Culprit: Plaque Buildup
In most cases, inflamed gums come down to one thing: plaque. This sticky film of bacteria forms on your teeth throughout the day. When it’s not removed consistently through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar—also called calculus—which you can’t remove at home. Tartar sitting along the gumline irritates the tissue and triggers that inflammatory response.
This is why preventative care matters so much. Gingivitis caught early is often reversible. Left alone, it can progress into more serious periodontal disease that affects the bone supporting your teeth.
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Other Reasons Your Gums Might Be Inflamed
Not every case of gum inflammation is purely about plaque. Your gums can become irritated or swollen for several other reasons:
- Food debris wedged along the gumline
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause that make gums more reactive
- Tobacco use, which increases inflammation and slows healing
- Dental appliances like braces, retainers, or dentures that trap plaque or rub against the tissue
- Dry mouth or dehydration, which reduces saliva’s natural protective effect
- Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin C deficiency, for example)
- Certain medications that impact gum tissue or saliva production
If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms—or if home care isn’t helping—that’s reason enough to get evaluated.
Signs Your Gums Are Inflamed
Inflamed gums don’t always hurt right away. Watch for these warning signs:
- Gums that look redder than usual (or darker in some cases)
- Swelling or puffiness along the gumline
- Tenderness when you touch or brush the area
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Gums that look shiny or feel loose around your teeth
If you’re seeing persistent bleeding, resist the urge to brush harder—that usually makes things worse. Bleeding gums typically need gentler, more consistent care, not aggressive scrubbing.
What You Can Do at Home (Starting Today)
If your symptoms are mild and just starting, these steps can help calm irritation and prevent plaque from building up further:
Brush Gently—But Thoroughly
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush along the gumline twice a day. Brushing too hard can actually worsen inflammation or lead to gum recession over time.
Floss Daily
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from places your toothbrush can’t reach. If your gums bleed when you first start flossing, that’s normal—gentle, daily flossing usually helps reduce bleeding as the inflammation improves.
Try a Warm Salt Water Rinse
A simple saltwater rinse can soothe irritated gums and help keep the area cleaner between brushings.
Avoid Things That Irritate Your Gums
Very spicy foods, smoking, and mouthwashes with high alcohol content can all make sensitive gums feel worse.
If your symptoms haven’t started improving after about a week of consistent home care—or if they’re getting worse—it’s time to call your dentist.
Professional Treatment for Inflamed Gums
When plaque and tartar are behind your gum inflammation, the most effective solution is professional cleaning.
Dental Exam and Gum Evaluation
Your dentist will assess your gum tissue and check for signs of gingivitis or more advanced periodontal issues. X-rays may be needed to see what’s happening below the gumline.
Professional Cleaning (or Deep Cleaning)
If tartar has formed, it requires professional removal—you can’t scrub it away at home. For more advanced inflammation or early signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning that focuses below the gumline, sometimes called scaling and root planing.
At Walbridge Dental, we provide comprehensive general dentistry care, including preventative services and personalized guidance around gum health.
When Should You See a Dentist? (Don’t Wait If…)
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing any of these:
- Gum swelling or bleeding that lasts more than a week or two
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling that’s getting worse
- Signs of infection—pus near the gumline, a bump on the gum, or fever
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- You haven’t had a dental cleaning in over six months and symptoms are showing up
Even if the discomfort seems minor, early evaluation can prevent bigger problems down the road.
How to Keep Inflamed Gums from Coming Back
Prevention really is straightforward—it just requires consistency:
- Brush twice daily, paying attention to the gumline
- Floss every day
- Keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- If you wear retainers or dentures, clean them as directed
- Limit tobacco use and address dry mouth when possible
Common Questions About Inflamed Gums
Are inflamed gums the same thing as gingivitis?
Often, yes. Gingivitis is gum inflammation most commonly caused by plaque buildup along the gumline.
Can inflamed gums go away on their own?
If plaque is the cause, your gums may improve with better brushing and flossing habits—but if tartar has formed, you’ll need professional cleaning to remove it.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding is usually a sign your gums are inflamed. Gentle, consistent flossing often helps reduce bleeding over time. That said, if bleeding continues for more than a week or two, get it checked.
Take the Next Step
Inflamed gums are common, but they’re not something you should ignore. If your gums are swollen, bleeding, or uncomfortable, getting the right diagnosis early can help protect both your teeth and your long-term oral health.
Do You Have Dental Health Questions? Schedule an Appointment!
We want to help keep your smile healthy! If you have dental health concerns or are just looking for information, the professionals at Walbridge Dental provide complete family dental care to families in the Millbury community and the local Wood County, Ohio area. Contact us online to set up an appointment now or call us at 419-836-1033.
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