Gum Swollen around One Tooth
You’ve probably heard your dentist say that sore, swollen gums are something to watch out for – this can be one of the first signs of the form of gum disease called gingivitis. A common oral affliction that affects more adults than not, gingivitis is nevertheless no minor thing; left unchecked, it can progress into more advanced forms of gum disease that can cause tooth and even bone loss in the jaw. What does it mean, though, if your gums begin to swell around just one tooth? Is this a sign of gum disease or something else?
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
One of the first warning signs of gum disease is, in fact, tender, swollen gums that begin to pull away from the teeth and may even bleed during brushing and flossing. This pain and inflammation occur because the gums have become effectively infected with bacteria present on the surface of the teeth in the form of tartar and plaque.
Often, the build-up of this dental detritus occurs throughout the mouth, as it is often caused by infrequent or ineffective oral hygiene (e.g., brushing too infrequently or not long enough). However, it is possible that plaque and tartar could begin to build up around a single tooth for several reasons: oral anatomy might create difficulty reaching a certain spot in the mouth, which leads to ineffective brushing over time, for example, or one might develop a brushing habit that misses certain areas in the mouth. This could cause a localized case of gum disease that might produce swelling around a single tooth, so gum disease should not be ruled out simply because the affected area is a small one.
It is important to note that when caught early, gum disease can be reversed. If you are experiencing any level of swelling, tenderness, or bleeding in the gums, it is imperative that you be seen by a dentist as soon as possible so that gum disease can either be ruled out or treated right away to avoid progression.
Other Causes of Swollen Gums
Gum disease is not the only cause of swollen gums, of course. Oral lacerations or other injuries can cause localized swelling; so too can overzealous brushing or flossing.
One thing to watch out for, though, are the signs and symptoms of an oral abscess. These are localized bacterial infections caused by a cavity that has begun to infect the tissues that surround it. These infections do not go away on their own over time and must be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and create all kinds of very serious health problems; don’t ever ignore an infection, no matter how small.
Abscesses are usually characterized by localized swelling, pain at the infection site, redness, warmth, and occasionally pus or drainage. Fever might also be present. If any combination of these symptoms is present, call your dentist or doctor right away to be evaluated; if it is in fact an abscess, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Regardless of the cause, swollen gums are almost always a sign of an underlying condition or problem that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, most all of them can be treated quickly, efficiently, and effectively, so don’t wait – if you’re suffering from swollen gums, even if it’s just around one tooth – call your dentist today!