Gums keep getting inflamed

Repeated gum inflammation usually reflects plaque at the gumline, but irritation, medication, or gum disease can also contribute.

Plaque contains bacteria that trigger swelling, redness, tenderness, and bleeding where the gum meets the tooth.

The gums are soft tissues called gingiva that form a seal around each tooth. Persistent inflammation may be gingivitis, or it may indicate periodontitis when infection has affected the supporting bone and periodontal ligament.

Crowded teeth, calculus, rough fillings, tobacco, dry mouth, and some medicines can make plaque control harder or alter the gum response.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angling the bristles toward the gumline, and clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Do not stop gentle cleaning because a small amount of bleeding can occur when inflamed tissue is first cleaned.

A dental professional can remove hardened calculus with scaling, smooth plaque-retentive fillings, and measure the gum pockets around the teeth.

Arrange an examination when swelling or bleeding keeps returning, breath odour persists, gums recede, teeth feel loose, or chewing becomes uncomfortable. Prompt care is needed for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty opening the mouth.

The examination may include pocket measurements, tooth mobility checks, bite assessment, and dental radiographs when bone loss or another source of infection is suspected.

Ask whether the inflammation is limited to gingivitis or has reached the supporting tissues, and which areas are retaining plaque or calculus. Ask how to clean around any crowns, bridges, braces, or crowded teeth.

Also ask whether a medicine, dry mouth, smoking, or another health condition could be affecting your gums and what follow-up would check that treatment is working.