Swollen gums can cause pain and tenderness. This condition can also make it difficult for you to eat, talk, or even sleep. To prevent this, you need to know first what causes swollen gums with pus, in order to avoid these various causes.
If the swollen gums are caused by infection, besides the gums look enlarged, pus and blood are often seen around them. Gums that have this infection will generally look redder than the surrounding gum area.
Causes of swollen gums with pus
There are several conditions that cause swollen gums with pus, including:
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. Gingivitis is often caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. When not cleaned for a long time, plaque will irritate the gums and increase the risk of the gums becoming infected, which will then cause swollen gums with pus.
2. Infection
Infections of the tongue and mouth caused by fungi and viruses also have the potential to cause swollen gums. A common infection is gingivostomatitis or thrush of the gums and mouth. If left untreated, the condition can progress to festering swollen gums.
3. Lack of nutrition
Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins B and C, are believed to be associated with swollen gums. The reason is because these two vitamins have an important role in repairing and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.
When you are deficient in vitamins B and C, the health of your teeth and gums is not maintained properly, so the risk of gum disorders will also increase, including swollen gums with pus.
4. Pregnancy
Swollen purulent gums can also occur during pregnancy. One of the factors is changes in hormone production during pregnancy. This then has an impact on increasing blood flow in the gums. This increased blood flow can cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. If accompanied by infection, swollen gums may occur.
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, other conditions that can also increase the risk of swollen gums with pus are too hard when brushing your teeth, mistakes in doing flossing teeth, and is undergoing chemotherapy.
Get to know the treatment and prevention of festering swollen gums
In dealing with festering swollen gums, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics and advise you to use a special toothpaste or mouthwash. However, if you have swollen gums with pus that are severe enough, your doctor may suggest a procedure scaling and root plan.
To keep you from experiencing swollen gums with pus, do the following tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice every day. Make sure to use the correct brushing technique.
- Use a mouthwash that contains an antiseptic because it can kill bacteria that cause infections in the teeth and mouth, including the gums.
- Drink lots of water, especially after eating. Drinking water can help clean food debris from the teeth thereby reducing its formation
- Do not smoke because the substances in cigarettes can trigger various diseases, including dental and gum disease.
- Avoid stress. Stress can trigger the production of the hormone cortisol, which will increase the risk of inflammation throughout the body, including the gums.
Swollen gums should not be ignored. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other areas around it and cause tissue damage. Therefore, if you experience swollen gums with pus, immediately consult a dentist for proper treatment.