Have you ever experienced pulsating pain or discomfort that can be traced back to one tooth? And, only when you notice that the tooth looks fine, you move on to the gums. Swollen gum around one tooth is quite common and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Though the inflamed gums around one tooth become a cause for concern, they can be easily treated. Let’s look at some of the common causes of swollen gums and how to treat them so that nothing stops you from flashing that gorgeous smile.
Causes of swollen gums around one tooth
Poor oral hygiene
Every tooth or gum-related problem can be traced back to poor oral hygiene, even swollen gums around one tooth. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth properly, you might still have some food particles stuck between your teeth. When you miss this food, debris stuck in your teeth, it causes decay and inflammation. This eventually develops into a serious gum disease. The signs of poor oral hygiene are:
Red gums
Pale gums
Swollen gums
Loose tooth
Bad breath
Bad taste in your mouth
Bleeding while brushing
Pus leaking from a tooth
Abscess
An untreated cavity allows bacteria to infect the tooth, and that’s how you end up with an abscessed tooth. The major symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pain, swollen gums, swollen jaw, and fever. If it is left unchecked, it can spread to the jawbone and lead to other serious conditions.
Periodontal disease
This condition is another major cause of sore gums around one tooth. When the plaque build-up remains on the gum line and it turns to tartar, it can cause infection and inflammation of the gums that support and surround your teeth. There are two stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterised by swollen and inflamed gums and other symptoms, such as bad breath and red, tender, or bleeding gums . Periodontitis, on the other hand, is the later stage of periodontal disease in which the gums start receding from the tooth. This can cause an infection, damaging the bone that supports the tooth. The result? The tooth loosens and eventually falls out.
Prevention of swollen gum around one tooth
The adage “prevention is better than cure” fits the bill perfectly when it comes to preventing dental health issues. By making some minor changes in your oral care routine, you can avoid a slew of teeth and gum related issues. So, what should you do to prevent the occurrence of swollen gums around one tooth? Simply follow these steps and ensure that you stick to them:
- Brush your teeth twice a day to ensure that no food particles are stuck in your teeth, which eventually end up causing swollen gums. Try Oral-B ProHealth Gum Care Manual Toothbrush , which has been clinically proven to remove more plaque than a regular manual brush. The unique Crisscross bristles, which are angled at 16 degrees, attack plaque from the right angle. You’ll notice an improvement in your gum health in four weeks!
- Floss at least once a day. The Oral-B Essential Floss is best suited for daily use owing to its shred-resistant texture that makes it convenient to slide through your teeth with ease and refreshing mint flavour.
Avoiding chewing tobacco or smoking
Avoid sugary foods as they can trigger plaque formation
Visit your dentist if you experience intense tooth pain or swollen gums
Visit a dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and professional dental cleaning
Home remedies for swollen gum around one tooth
Some tried-and-tested home remedies that can help relieve the discomfort caused by the swollen gum around one tooth are:
Saltwater rinse
Salt water could stimulate gum wound healing. In fact, it is known to alleviate gum inflammation caused by gingivitis, which makes it the ideal swollen gum remedy. Prepare your saltwater rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for at least 30 seconds and spit it out completely.
Antiseptic mouthwash
As you are aware, plaque and tartar are mostly the causes of sore gum around one tooth. Though you cannot get rid of it completely, an over the counter (OTC) antiseptic mouthwash can control the build-up of additional plaque bacteria.
Tea tree oil rinse
If gingivitis causes the swollen gums to bleed, you can reduce the bleeding with the help of a tea tree oil rinse. Mix three drops of tea tree essential oil in eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out completely and repeat the process at least two to three times a day.
Turmeric gel
Research indicates that using turmeric gel can prevent plaque and gingivitis, which are known to cause swollen gums. So, after you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with fresh water, apply the turmeric gel to your gums. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off the gel by swishing fresh water around your mouth and spit it out completely.
While brushing your teeth twice a day can contribute to preventing these dental problems, using advanced dental products such as Oral-B electric toothbrushes can also reduce the risk of possible gum issues, tooth decay, and sensitivity.
