Swollen Gums

Swollen Gums----------------

What are swollen gums?

Gum swelling results from excess fluid (edema) in the soft tissues of the gums and may be accompanied by redness, pain, sores, ulcers and bleeding. Poor oral hygiene, resulting in infla

mmation or infection, is the most common cause of swollen gums. The symptoms may be constant or variable and may worsen when eating or drinking. If gum pain is present, it may be described as sharp, dull, stabbing, burning or throbbing, ranging in intensity from mild to severe.

Depending on the cause, swollen gums may be present in only a small part of a gum (sore or ulcer), or at the gum line (gingivitis and periodontitis). Other conditions may produce swelling in the entire area of the gums. Gingivitis and other types of inflammatory conditions are among the most common causes of swollen gums.

Vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin C deficiency, which causes scurvy, and iron deficiency anemia, can be associated with symptoms that involve both the mouth and the gums. Rare disorders of the immune system, such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) or Behcet’s syndrome (disease characterized by widespread inflammation of blood vessels), can also produce symptoms in the mouth and gums. Infections of the skin and soft tissue (cellulitis) or bone (osteomyelitis) are further causes of swollen gums.

The duration and course of swollen gums vary widely, depending on the cause. Symptoms caused by inflammation often have a sudden onset. In other cases, swollen gums resulting from underlying vitamin deficiencies or chronic conditions develop slowly and persist or worsen over time.


What other symptoms might occur with swollen gums?

Swollen gums may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorders or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the gums may also involve other body systems.
Common symptoms that may occur along with swollen gums

Swollen gums may accompany other symptoms affecting the gums or mouth including:

Bleeding gums
Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums
Gums that are tender when touched but are painless otherwise
Painful mouth sores that quickly turn to ulcers lasting 21 days or more
Receding gums
Shiny gums
Sore smaller than about half an inch, or 12 millimeters, in diameter
Ulcer with white or yellow center

Other symptoms that may occur along with swollen gums

Swollen gums may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Bad breath
Bleeding
Diarrhea or constipation
Loosening or loss of the teeth
Nausea, which may be described as feelings of wooziness, queasiness, retching, sea-sickness, car-sickness, or an upset stomach
Pale skin or pallor
Sore tongue
Swollen lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness, tiredness or light-headedness

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, swollen gums may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have swollen gums along with other serious symptoms including:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Severe gum bleeding

Treatment------

In this condition contact to dentist.

FOR DETAILS CONTACT---------
GOODWILL DENTAL CLINIC
http://goodwilldental.blogspot.com/
call- 0091-9136165959