Your teeth are properly placed in the gums so that it can do proper chewing. Gums and teeth also assist in proper speech and communication. Puffy gums results due to excess of fluid buildup in the gum tissue which in medical terms is called as edema. Often pain, redness, and bleeding are present when your gums become puffy and swollen.
Swollen Puffy Gums Cause
Depending on the cause, puffy gum can be localized to a small area as in a sore. It can involve the whole gum line as in case of gingivitis or periodontitis. Plaque is considered to play a front role in causing inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is a thin film adhered on the tooth that is composed of millions of bacteria. When the environment is favorable the bacteria invade the gum tissue leading to swelling and bleeding.
Here are common causes of swollen and puffy gums:
- Infection due to bacteria.
- Gingivitis.
- Canker sores.
- Misaligned teeth.
- Ill fitting dentures.
- Periodontitis (infection of the gum line, teeth and the jaw bone).
- Poor nutrition.
- Lack of vitamin C
- Poor dental hygiene.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Dryness in the mouth.
- Regular use of certain medications such as birth control pill and medicine for epilepsy.
Puffy and swollen gums are also caused due to following conditions:
- Scurvy
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and puberty.
- HIV/AIDS.
Puffy Gum Treatment
There are several products available in stores that claim to prevent and treat puffy gums. However puffy gums can be cured by home remedies in more economic and natural way.
- Baking soda: brush your teeth regularly with baking soda, it may hurt the teeth in the beginning but regular brushing will effectively reduce swelling of gums.
- A rinse with hydrogen peroxide solution is helpful in disinfecting and keeping good oral hygiene when your gums have become puffy and swollen.
- Salt water: it is the best natural antibacterial solution. Rinse and gargle with salt water solution at least three times in a day. It will act upon the bacteria and reduce the swelling.
- To prevent scurvy take vitamin C daily. Fruits such as oranges and lemon are good source of vitamin C.
- Rub clove oil on the swollen and puffy gums.
- Massage your gums regularly with your toothbrush in a gentle manner. It will help to dislodge the bacteria that have adhered to the gum tissue. It increases blood circulation and alleviates gum puffiness to great extent.
- Follow strict oral hygiene.
- Avoid sugar, chocolates, soft drinks etc.
Even with all the above precaution and natural remedies, if you do not find relief in your puffy gums within few days, consult your dentist for medication.