
Jan
Seeing blood when you spit isn’t normal. If your gums feel puffy or sore, it’s usually a pretty clear sign that something is off. At Kelley Family Dental Center, Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley help patients deal with these cases all the time. Finding gum swelling treatment in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the first step to getting your mouth back to normal and keeping it that way.
Swollen gums are often a strong sign of gingivitis. It usually starts when sticky plaque builds up just because it wasn’t brushed or flossed away. Those bacteria simply sit there, irritating the tissue until it becomes inflamed. Sometimes it is hormonal, but usually it is a hygiene thing. You may want to watch for signs like:
Ignoring it is a bad idea because that just lets gingivitis turn into periodontitis. That is when things get pretty serious. Your gums can actually pull away, leaving pockets where bacteria hide out. Eventually, the bone gets damaged, and you could lose teeth. Untreated gum disease is linked to heart issues, too, so it actually impacts your whole body.
For mild cases, a professional cleaning might be all you need. But if tartar is deep, the team might suggest scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning scrapes away buildup on the roots, allowing the gums to reattach. For severe cases, gum flap surgery with a periodontist is an option. Our team will review your situation to see what works best.
Gingivitis is completely reversible if caught early, which is great! You just have to get serious about it. Brush twice a day and floss every night to remove the debris your brush may miss. You will also need a professional periodontal teeth cleaning to remove hardened tartar by a hygienist. Doing this prevents the disease from worsening before damage becomes permanent.
Staying ahead is super easy. Use fluoride toothpaste to keep enamel strong. If you smoke, quitting makes a huge difference. Managing stress helps too. However, the most important thing is visiting the dentist every six months. Regular exams enable the team to spot trouble before it develops into a painful emergency.
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. Chronic inflammation doesn’t just stay in your gums; it travels through your bloodstream. This contributes to inflammation elsewhere. There is a strong link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Taking care of your gums is really about taking care of your whole self.
If swelling persists for more than a week, you should seek professional help. Waiting only lets the damage worsen. The team at Kelley Family Dental Center is here to help. You can find the office at 4801 Montano Rd NW, A3 Albuquerque, NM 87120. Give them a call at 505-207-3343 to set up your appointment.