What Does It Mean If the Tissue In My Mouth Is Inflamed?
By Joe Wegiel | Published on August 6, 2010 | 0 Comments
Inflamed tissue in the mouth can be caused by a number of issues, ranging from infection to trauma. Luckily, most types of inflammation are only temporary, and they can easily be resolved with the help of a dentist, according to Dr. Joe Wegiel at Ludlow Family Dentistry, PC.
A dentist in Ludlow, MA, with years of experience treating patients with all types of oral inflammation issues, Wegiel explains that there can be multiple sources of inflammation in the mouth—some of which can be temporary, some of which can be chronic, and some of which can be permanent.
Wegiel says that the most common cause of oral inflammation is periodontal problems such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth infections, or a medical condition known as pulpitis. Pulpitis in particular can be worrisome to people, because it is a condition where the center of the teeth can become inflamed and cause excessive pain.
Interestingly, oral inflammations can also be caused by external factors such as bacterial infections that are transmittable to the mouth. Therefore, there is a chance that the inflammation someone is experiencing in his gums could be the result of something going on outside of the mouth, rather than inside.
The bottom line, according to Wegiel, is that patients should seek out a dentist as quickly as possible once they begin noticing any inflammation to determine what is going on and where the inflammation is coming from. Some types of inflammation can be very serious, and some might not be serious at all; but only a dentist will be able to make that determination and rule out any more detrimental oral conditions.
Occasionally, some people might have redness in their mouths that is not painful. Because there isn’t any pain associated, these people might be temped to skip the dentist. However, Wegiel has seen cases where this redness was associated with a very serious cancer. As with many types of cancer, oral cancers can often be treated if they are detected early, which is why anyone hoping for a better prognosis should make sure to call a dentist as quickly as possible upon discovering redness along the gum line—even if there is no pain associated.
Wegiel says that a far less serious cause of oral inflammation is dental trauma, such as when someone’s mouth has been hit hard by an object or even by sharp teeth. Because of the immediate discomfort associated with the trauma, some people might be tempted to rub their gums to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, rubbing on the gums can actually create additional inflammation. If a person were to rub his gums excessively and for a long period of time—generally without even realizing it—then Wegiel says that could lead to a change in the tissue morphology, which can create more serious and prolonged oral problems. Thankfully, he also says that this is fairly rare.
For someone who is looking at his teeth in the mirror at home, Wegiel recommends inspecting closely for any redness in the gums. Specifically, over the top of every tooth, there might be a red outline. That is a sign of gingivitis, and the red line is your body’s way of telling you that the bacteria and the plaque that have not been cleaned out around your gums are causing the tissue to get inflamed, according to Wegiel.
If gingivitis is unattended to, then Wegiel says that can cause the bone to break down in the mouth and lead to a medical condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious form of gum infection that can cause the loss of teeth in many cases. Because of that, it is important that anyone with periodontitis see a dentist immediately.
Although it is a good idea to check your gums in the bathroom mirror from time to time, nothing can replace a semi-annual visit to the dentist for a total exam. Even for people who don’t have periodontitis, Wegiel still recommends that anyone who notices any discoloration or inflammation along the gum line call a dentist as quickly as possible.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.