{"id":621,"date":"2024-02-09T13:28:03","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cranbrookdentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=621"},"modified":"2024-03-04T13:28:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T13:28:31","slug":"is-it-gum-disease-when-gums-are-soft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cranbrookdentalcare.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/09\/is-it-gum-disease-when-gums-are-soft\/","title":{"rendered":"When Your Gums Feel Soft or Spongy, What’s Going On?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dentist<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When you look in the mirror, do you see red? Do your gums feel soft and spongy when you touch them? This is the experience of millions of people every year who suffer from some form of gum disease or deficiency. There are treatments available for periodontal disease, but how do you know if that\u2019s what you have?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know why your gums may feel like a sponge, continue reading. You\u2019ll find various ways gum disease<\/a> or other gingival conditions could affect you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Are My Gums Soft and Spongey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The normally pink tissues surrounding your teeth are called gingiva. When they turn red and soft, it could be for one of several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soft or spongy gums are often a sign of gum disease, which occurs when plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor Oral Hygiene<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque to accumulate along the gumline, leading to soft or spongy gums. Plaque is full of bacteria that produce acids, irritating the gums and causing inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Deficiencies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, can weaken the gums and lead to a condition called scurvy. This condition makes your gums more prone to infection and can soften them to a sponge-like state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking or Tobacco Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tobacco use can compromise gum health by reducing blood flow to the gums and weakening the body’s immune response. This increases the risk of gum disease and other issues like oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can I Do to Treat or Prevent Gum Disease?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice your gums feel soft or spongy, you need to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications. Here’s what you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n