How to Prevent Inflammation of the Gums

Improper oral hygiene enables bacteria to build in the mouth, which in turn allows a thick, gooey film called plaque to form on the gum line.

If the plaque is not removed, it continuously releases disease-causing bacteria until, eventually, it can lead to gum disease, which causes inflammation of the gum line. This inflammation then causes your gums to become swollen and tender and your teeth to bleed when you floss or brush. It can also cause your breath to smell, and the gum tissue around the tooth to begin to recede.

When inflammation occurs, it activates your white blood cells to repair the disease or injury. However, if this response persists for too long, and your body is unable to repair itself and return to normal, it leads to chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation continues the same cellular response to disease or injury; however, it can last anywhere from a few months to some years because the immune system is unable to repair the issue. If chronic inflammation is ignored, it can eventually lead to a host of more severe issues.

When chronic inflammation is left untreated, it causes the immune system to alert the white blood cells to destroy neighboring healthy tissues and body parts.

Over time, this attack can cause serious damage to the gums as well as the bone structure that supports the tooth, resulting in loose teeth or tooth loss. Several studies show that it also plays a significant role in the onset of various bodily disorders, including heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and more. Therefore, treating inflamed gums and gum disease is imperative to your health.

There are various tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent chronic inflammation of the gums, including:

• Incorporate Proper Nutrition - Consuming the right foods helps keep your gums and teeth strong and healthy, especially foods high in calcium and Vitamin C, which have been shown to help prevent inflamed gums. 

• Brush Properly - Brush twice a day, as well as in between meals, with a soft bristle brush using the proper brushing techniques to help prevent gum disease, which can cause gum inflammation. You should also avoid brushing too hard as it can damage the gums as well as wear away the enamel, which also causes inflamed gums. 

• Floss Often - After eating, food debris gets caught in between the teeth, which brushing alone cannot remove. If this food debris is left between the teeth, it allows plaque and tartar to build up, which can lead to inflamed gums and gum disease. Therefore, gently floss frequently to remove leftover food debris between the teeth to help keep your gums and teeth healthy. Be sure to carefully maneuver the floss between the teeth to avoid damaging the gums, which can cause inflammation. 

• Rinse Often - Rinsing your mouth helps remove food debris, which can cause plaque buildup. Therefore, rinse your mouth after snacking and eating to help eliminate food debris. 

• Use Anti-Gingivitis Products - Anti-gingivitis products are designed to help neutralize plaque bacteria around the gum line, which helps prevent early signs of gum disease. Therefore, also try using dental products that contain anti-gingivitis ingredients to help stave off gum inflammation. 

• Eliminate Stress - Sometimes hormone levels can cause gum inflammation due to a spike in cortisol. Therefore, try to eliminate stress as much as possible to help keep your cortisol levels balanced. 

Inflamed gums impact millions of U.S. adults each year, which can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits at home in addition to receiving professional cleanings every six months to remove remaining plaque on the teeth. Though gum disease is the leading cause of gum inflammation, smoking can also cause inflamed gums; therefore, you should also avoid smoking to help keep your gums healthy. Inflamed gums can also be a sign of oral cancer, so be sure to have it checked.

Inflammation is actually beneficial for the body for fighting off aggressive bacteria and to repair damaged tissue; however, inflammation left for too long, or chronic inflammation, can be harmful to the body. Therefore, be on the alert for any signs of inflammation, and then let your dentist know accordingly. In the meantime, be sure to incorporate the provided health tips for preventing chronic inflammation of the gums to help keep your gums and teeth healthy.

About the Author

Dr. Marichia Attalla is a leading Nassau County Periodontist located in Williston Park NY. Learn more about her periodontal services by visiting her website.