Like the check engine light that comes on when there is a problem with your car, swollen gums indicate something is wrong.
Our gums play an important role in our oral health. Like the check engine light that comes on when there is a problem with your car, swollen gums indicate several different dental health issues. Swollen gums alert you that something is wrong.
Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Swollen gums are often sensitive, irritated, or painful. You may also notice that your gums bleed more easily when brushing or flossing. While these symptoms are not uncommon for many people, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as you detect it.
Here are some of the most common causes of swollen gums:
Gingivitis
Swollen gums are generally the first sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is the most common reason people develop swollen gums. The inflammation is the result of the accumulation of bacteria in plaque.
In its beginning stages, the symptoms of gingivitis are mild and will generally get better if you brush and floss. However, if it doesn’t get better with brushing and flossing, you need to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. If you have gingivitis, you need to get treatment as soon as possible to keep it from progressing into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Severe cases that are left untreated can lead to tooth loss.
Infection
Swelling of your gums can indicate that you have a fungal or viral infection. Thrush is a fungal infection that can cause your gums to swell. If you notice a strange white rash in your mouth, contact your doctor so that you can get an antifungal medication. If you have the herpes virus, you are at a higher risk of contracting acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, a condition that causes gums to swell.
Vitamin Deficiency
If you are deficient in specific vitamins, it can affect your oral health and cause your gums to swell. Being low in vitamins B and C are the most common deficiencies that can cause your gums to swell. Malnutrition is not a typical problem but may be an issue for a person that is elderly or has other special needs such as autism or other disabilities.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women often experience gum swelling. Pregnancy hormones cause an increase in blood flow to the gums, which can cause swelling. Hormone changes can increase your risk of gingivitis and gum infections. When pregnant, it is essential to maintain good oral health and visit your dentist to help keep your mouth healthy.
How to Care for Swollen Gums
If you notice swelling in your gums, you can do a few things before making a dental appointment. However, these home remedies may not cure the underlying problem.
Brush and floss gently to soothe gums and avoid additional irritation
Use a saltwater rinse to clear away extra bacteria
Drink more water
Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or using strong mouthwashes
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and a warm compress to soothe the pain
Contact Your Dentist
If you continue to have swollen gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today if you’re a caregiver for an elderly parent or a person with special needs.
We value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care you deserve. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
