If you wear partial dentures that feel uncomfortable because your gums are inflamed, make an appointment with your dental bridge services professional for a check up. While most cases of gum inflammation are caused by gingivitis or ill-fitting dental appliances, there are other, less common reasons. Here are some unusual reasons for gum swelling and what you can do about them:
Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies
If you have sinus problems or allergies, you may develop gum inflammation. This happens because inflamed sinuses can put pressure on the top row of your teeth, which can irritate your gums. Another way chronic sinusitis and allergies can cause gum inflammation is through systemic inflammation. When you develop sinus problems or allergic reactions, your body releases chemicals known as pro-inflammatory cytokines.
These substances not only increase allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a scratchy throat, and itching, but they can also lead to body-wide inflammation, including inflammation inside your oral cavity. If you have allergies or sinus problems and notice that your gums are swollen, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine.
This will help inhibit the release of cytokines and subsequently diminish gum inflammation. Inflamed gums can also damage the tissue underneath your dental bridges, which can cause skin breakdown inside your mouth and raise your risk for infection.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can also contribute to gum inflammation. Medications such as antihistamines, anti-seizure medications, and drugs used in the treatment of anxiety can lead to diminished salivary flow. When this happens, you may experience a very dry mouth, and because of this, develop gum inflammation.
Not only can these medications contribute to dry mouth, they can also raise your risk for developing a serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. When your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to wash away infection-causing oral bacteria, microorganisms can accumulate inside your mouth, raising your risk for dental infections and subsequent gingival inflammation.
If you take medications that make your mouth dry, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep oral tissues from drying out too much. Adequate hydration may also help prevent your dental bridge or other dental appliances from irritating your gum tissue.
If you take medications or suffer from allergies or sinus congestion, make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will examine your oral cavity to determine if your gums are inflamed. Once the source of your gingival inflammation is determined, an effective treatment option can then be put into place. Contact a clinic, like Henderson Family Dentistry, for more help.
