Swollen gums typically appear red, large and bulging. According to MedlinePlus, bulging gums are common and can affect the papillae, which are the triangle-shaped parts of the gums located between teeth. Sometimes, bacteria or a lack of a certain vitamin can lead to swollen gums. Fortunately, the causes of swollen gums are treatable.
Gingivitis
The Mayo Clinic says that gingivitis is a common and less serious form of gum disease. Specific symptoms of gingivitis include swollen gums, bad breath (halitosis), easily bleeding of the gums during flossing or brushing of the teeth, soft gums and red-colored gums. Usually, gums are pink.
Plaque, a collection of bacteria on the teeth that form a thin white film, is the cause for gingivitis. Brushing the teeth can remove plaque.
Treatment for gingivitis involves brushing the teeth well, using an antiseptic mouth rinse and flossing.
Scurvy
Scurvy, also known as vitamin C deficiency, is condition typically prominent in developed countries. Vitamin C plays a role in wound healing and in supporting the immune system.
The Merck Manual, a collection medical information for the medical professional, says that symptoms of scurvy include swollen or bleeding gums, which can be purple in color, poor wound healing, weakness, tiredness, weight loss, joint pain, muscle pain and irritability. Other symptoms can include lower leg swelling and bleeding within the joints.
Treatment involves eating a vitamin C rich diet and taking absorbic acid supplements.
Periodontitis
The Mayo Clinic says that periodontitis refers to a severe type of gum infection that soft tissue and bone deterioration of tissues in the mouth. Symptoms of periodontitis include swollen gums, tender gums, bad breath, loose teeth, pus formation between the gums and teeth, purple or red gums and a bad taste in the mouth.
Like gingivitis, plaque can be the cause for periodontitis. Also, tartar (a hardened form of plaque) is another cause.
Treatment for periodontitis involves scaling, root planing and taking antibiotics. Scaling refers to removing plaque and tartar using special instruments. Root planing involves smoothing out the surfaces of the roots of the teeth to prevent tartar buildup. Antibiotics may be used to destroy bacteria. Different types of surgeries are available to treat periodontitis. Flap surgery involves cutting a part of the gum to flap it back to allow for scaling. Bone grafting involves destroying the bone around the root of the tissue. Soft tissue grafts involving replacing damaged gum tissue with new tissue. Guided tissue regeneration involves placing a fabric in between the bone and tooth to prevent overgrowth of tissue.
