Picture this: you wake up after a long, relaxing sleep and head over to brush your teeth. But mid-way through your oral care routine, you notice a weird bump inside your mouth. Cautiously, you run your tongue over the area and feel a soft, squishy bubble that is definitely not supposed to be there. Instantly, you start to panic.
Is the bump a tumor? A cyst? A rare, unknown dental disease that only you could have possibly contracted? Thankfully, you realize it is nothing more than a swollen gum. But the question is, why is your gum swollen in the first place? That, too, only around only one tooth? — To find the answer to this and learn more about the treatment methods, carry on reading.
Why Is My Gum Swollen Around One Tooth?
Although a bit surprising, a gum swollen around one thing isn’t something to worry about. Sure, in some cases, it could be a precursor to something serious. However, usually, the swelling is merely a temporary inflammation.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to take care of your oral hygiene can lead to a lot of complications. From cavities to swollen gums, the consequences are endless. That is why dentists recommend brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night. - Gum Disease
Gum disease results from a lack of oral care. It occurs when the harmful bacteria in your mouth start attacking the gums. Initially, gum disease starts off as a form of gingivitis, but in severe cases, it can also give way to periodontitis. - Dental Abscess
An abscess is a small pocket of air and pus your body creates to fight off an infection. Finding an abscess on your gums is a cause for concern and should be immediately drained by a dentist to prevent the bacteria from spreading. - Food Stuck in Teeth
Sometimes the reason why your gum looks so swollen and big is because there is something stuck in your teeth. Although, with careful flossing, you can pluck out the food remains and watch your gum return to normal. - Hormonal Imbalance
Anytime your body faces a hormonal imbalance, your dental health is the first one to suffer. In cases of pregnancy and menopause, women often find odd bumps and lumps on their gums due to the shift in hormones.
Tips To Treat A Swollen Gum Around One Tooth
Even though a swollen gum isn’t quite concerning, it can still be incredibly frustrating to deal with. You can consult your dentist on how to take care of it or try following some of the tips mentioned below.
- Regularly brush and floss your teeth.
- Only invest in waxed floss.
- Make it a habit to rinse and gargle with saltwater.
- In case of a dental abscess, get it professionally drained.
- Apply a cold compress to try and reduce the swelling.
- Keep an interdental brush with you at all times.
- Schedule a professional teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for optimal oral health.
Long Story Short
To summarize, the reason why your gum is swollen around one tooth is probably due to the lack of oral hygiene, gum disease, a dental abscess, hormonal imbalance, or the food stuck between your teeth.
The swelling dissipates on its own, so avoid trying to disrupt it. For more information, you can reach out to Almond Dental at any of the following locations:
- St. Anthony Location: 3803 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55421, United States
Contact Number: (612) 782-7000
- Maple Grove Location: 11301 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55369, United States
Contact Number: (763 ) 762-7177