Swollen Gums from a Sinus Infection

Sinus cavities are present on those facial bones which are located behind the eyes and nose area. These tiny cavities play a crucial role in the respiratory system. They filter out all dirt, debris and pathogens that enter the respiratory passage and prevent them from entering the lungs. Thus they protect the body from several infections. Medically, sinus infection is known as sinusitis. In this condition, the sinus cavities get irritated and inflammation occur in them. Some of its key signs and symptoms are: nasal congestion, post nasal drip, cough, headache, earache and swollen gums.

Can a Sinus Infection Cause Swollen Gums?
A sinus infection can be triggered by a number of factors that include infection caused by a cold and flu virus, bacterial attack on the upper respiratory tract, allergies, formation of nasal polyps and so on. When this infection is left untreated for a long time, then it spreads into the gums from the post nasal drip that drains at the back of the throat. Swollen gums are the first sign of an infected gum. Now, the inflamed sinus cavities located just above the roof of the mouth in the cheek bones start exerting pressure on the roots of the upper teeth located in the same area. This makes the matter worse as the gums become sensitive and are tender to touch. Other symptoms that are often observed in this condition are bleeding gums, toothache and bad breath.

Treatment
When you visit a doctor with swollen gums and a sinus infection, the treatment is mainly aimed at complete elimination of the infection. They prescribe antibiotics to destroy the infection causing bacteria. These medicines are highly effective on the sinus infection as well as gum infection. Decongestants which are available as nasal sprays and oral medicines is a popular form of medicine used for relieving symptoms of sinusitis. It reduces the inflammation of the sinus cavities really well. As a result, the pressure from roots of the teeth is eased off and the gum pain subsides.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given to bring down swelling in the gums as well as that of the sinus lining. Analgesics are used to relieve all the painful symptoms associated with sinus infection and that include gum pain. A topical pain relieving medicine known as benzocaine is good for swollen, tender gums. When it is applied on the infected gums, it has a numbing effect that provides temporary relief from the pain and discomfort. If the gums are in a heavily infected condition, then you may have to visit a dentist to clear up the gum infection with the help of suitable dental procedure.

Home Remedies
There are some simple home remedies that can tackle the swelling and tenderness of the gums. They are as follows:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: The simplest way to eliminate the infection causing bacteria from the gums is with proper oral care. Brush your teeth three times in a day. It should be followed by flossing which cleans up the hidden corners of the gums where your brush cannot reach. Finally, use a mouthwash which can destroy the bacteria growing inside the mouth.

Gargle with Saline Water: This gives a lot of relief from the pain and swelling in the gums. Prepare the saline solution by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Take a sip of saline water in your mouth, swirl it inside the mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. It can be repeated as many times as you want.

Suck on Crushed Ice Cubes: Put a small ice cubes in your mouth and suck it slowly. The coldness of the applied ice has a numbing effect on the gums and the pain subsides almost instantly. Alternately, you can rub the ice cube on the affected part for the same kind of effect.

Swollen gums from a sinus infection can be prevented if the infection is treated on time. However, if you have already developed swollen gums problem, do not neglect the matter any further. Delay in the treatment can spread the infection to the throat and chest and can lead to serious health complications.