It’s almost summer— you should be smiling from ear to ear! However, if your mouth is red or swollen, your gums may be holding you back. If you notice any swelling or redness around one tooth, there may be a few reasons why.
What causes a swollen gum around one tooth?
1.Hygienic mishaps. Usually, a swollen gum around one tooth is caused by not properly brushing and flossing. This can leave food stuck in your mouth which can cause decay and inflammation in certain areas.
2.Gum disease. Overtime, not adequately brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of Americans (30 and older) are affected.
3.Abscessed tooth. Often, an abscessed tooth comes from an untreated cavity — the bacteria ends up spreading and affecting your tooth and the gums surrounding it. You can lose your tooth if this is left untreated, so make sure you call your dentist as soon as you notice this issue appear.
How can you prevent swollen gums?
Not only should you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes a day, you should also floss once a day and rinse with mouthwash. Also, don’t forget to schedule your regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist!