If your gums are healthy, you might not give much thought to them. They are just the tissue that surrounds your teeth and frames your smile. But what if they have developed concerning symptoms lately? If your gums feel soft and spongy, that could indicate a serious condition! This blog post discusses possible explanations for this problem and offers tips on how to remedy it.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, develops when bacteria accumulate along the gumline and form plaque. Without thorough oral hygiene, this plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to inflammation. Over time, the gums may separate from the teeth, forming pockets that allow even more bacteria to thrive.
Gum disease can cause your gums to become swollen and puffy, so they may feel spongy and soft to the touch. Other symptoms of this condition include bleeding during brushing or flossing, chronic bad breath, and gum recession.
Without proper care, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and an increased risk of numerous systemic conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist if you have signs of it! They may recommend a deep cleaning of your mouth to get rid of harmful bacteria and give your gums the opportunity to heal.
Scurvy
Gum disease is quite common, but it is not the only possible explanation for soft and spongy gums. Scurvy could also be to blame.
Scurvy is a condition caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C, which your body needs to produce collagen and maintain healthy tissues. Without enough vitamin C, your gums become weak and cannot repair themselves properly. This deficiency may develop if you do not consume enough fruits and vegetables or if you have dietary restrictions that limit vitamin C intake.
Aside from changes to your gums, symptoms of scurvy include slow healing of wounds, fatigue, joint pain, and even tooth loss if the deficiency persists. These symptoms result from the breakdown of connective tissues and the inability of your body to form new blood vessels.
Thankfully, treating scurvy is quite easy in most cases. It involves increasing your intake of vitamin C through diet or supplements. Citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and bell peppers are all good sources. Your healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate dosage based on your needs. Once you restore your vitamin C levels, gum symptoms should improve fairly quickly.
Soft and spongy gums are not something you should ignore! Seek professional advice to determine the cause and start appropriate treatment for healthier gums and a stronger smile.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, we are proud to provide top-quality oral care for the Auburn community. We offer a range of treatments, including non-surgical gum disease therapy options such as scaling and root planing. We can also help you to identify signs of scurvy and take the next steps to improve your health. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 207-352-2825.