Why are my gums inflamed even though I brush and floss daily?

Gum inflammation is a common and noticeable symptom of periodontal disease. The presence of gum inflammation can also indicate that a person is at risk for developing gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease is of great concern to a dentist. This condition can destroy a person’s oral health if it is left untreated. Without professional treatment gum disease can advance into chronic disease that leads to tooth loss, bone atrophy, and severely damaged gingival tissue. Even if you think you brush and floss correctly, it is possible to have gum inflammation. Following are three common culprits behind gum inflammation and what you can do about it.

Improper Oral Hygiene

Sometimes we think we brush and floss properly but many people’s oral hygiene routines fall short because they might not brush long enough or floss thoroughly enough. Inadequate or improper oral hygiene leads to the development of plaque and tartar, substances that inflame and irritate the gingiva.  Examining your oral hygiene routine for potential bad habits along with practicing mindfulness during brushing and flossing can help prevent you from making common mistakes like brushing too vigorously or flossing inadequately. When you come to our practice for checkups and cleanings, our team can help you identify areas you might be neglecting.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Gums can become inflamed by hormonal fluctuations – especially fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations can cause increased blood flow to the gums, which can make them more tender and susceptible to irritation. If you are experiencing changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, be sure to bring this to the attention of our dentist at your next appointment so we can keep a watchful eye on your gum health.

Lifestyle Habits

Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can take a toll on a person’s periodontal health. The irritants and carcinogens released when smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause gum inflammation. Moreover, drinking alcohol contributes to gingival irritation because it has a drying effect on the mouth.
For more information about your gum health and how we can treat gum disease, call us today at the office of Dr. Philip Kozlow!