What causes swollen gums?

By far, bacteria buildup is the leading cause of swollen gums. No matter what you do, there are always hundreds of types of bacteria forming in the mouth. While this may be inevitable, it is also the easiest thing to prevent. For many, it may be as simple as adhering to a strict oral hygiene plan that will eliminate these bacteria and prevent them from growing out of control.

You may already be following a good general plan of oral hygiene that just needs to be stepped up a notch to combat the onslaught of bacteria that are constantly growing. It may come down to improving your brushing technique, or brushing more frequently after eating to not only eliminate bacteria, but the leftover food particles and sugary residues that feed them. Remember, it only takes a couple of hours for bacteria to form plaque, and only a couple of days for that plaque to harden into tartar.

Swollen gums can originate from number sources, the most common of which are:

• Infection from a virus or fungus
• Gingivitis
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash
• Side effect of medication
• Malnutrition
• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
• Pregnancy
• Bacteria buildup

By far, bacteria buildup is the leading cause of swollen gums.