Gum swelling...allergy related?

[Rikki Jean]

So, for the last week and a half or so, I've been having some weird gum swelling. It started in one place, then cleared up after two or three days, moved to another, same thing, and is now in the third spot. I was just attributing it to my pregnancy, but was trying to figure out something else that could be causing it. It just occured to me that my allergies have been going crazy the last few days (lots of sneezing and nose blowing), so now I'm wondering if it's allergy related. Any thoughts?

[Rikki Jean]

I've decided that it was allergy related, because as my sinus problems have let off in the last 12 hours or so, the swelling has too. I'd still love to hear about anyone else's experience with a similar problem though!

[USAmma]

Sometimes you can have gingivitis flare-ups like that. Usually they go away with using mouth wash several times and brushing extra good. I have never heard of it being allergy related, although with oral allergy syndrome it's a possibility.

http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm

[Rikki Jean]

Originally Posted by USAmma

Sometimes you can have gingivitis flare-ups like that. Usually they go away with using mouth wash several times and brushing extra good. I have never heard of it being allergy related, although with oral allergy syndrome it's a possibility.

http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm

I do have OAS, so I was sort of thinking in that direction...If that's what it was though, that means that I have to figure out yet another food to add to my growing list of OAS problem foods. : I've never had this reaction with OAS though, so I'm not sure...

My allergies have been doing all sorts of whacky things with this pg, which is why I was leaning so much in the allergy direction. It seemed to subdue mostly yesterday, along with my sinus issues, but I'm sure it could just be a conincidence. It is still a tad bit tender behind my teeth.


Gingivitis is a thought though...I guess I'd better find a good mouth wash and give that a whirl. Okay, no pun intended! I haven't been to the dentist in almost four years , so I'm sure I have all kinds of issues going on...(I want to go, we just can't afford it and don't have insurance).

[USAmma]

I didn't notice you were pg in your sig. That alone will sometimes make your gums more susceptible to bleeding and gingivitis and other irritating things.

You can dilute some hydrogen peroxide into that mouthwash and swish with that a few times, too. Just make sure not to swallow any of it, of course. Floss first, of course. I hope you are able to get some dental care soon. That's tough. Maybe you can get checked out at a low cost clinic or a dental school. We have a local dental school that does cheap fillings, etc.