How to treat swollen and bleeding gums

Swollen, bleeding gums often need gentle cleaning and a dental examination to identify gum inflammation, infection, or another cause.

Treatment may include professional removal of plaque and calculus, improved home cleaning, and treatment of a gum pocket or dental infection when present.

Bleeding and swelling usually indicate inflamed gingival tissue, commonly around plaque at the gum margin. The inflammation can affect one area or the gums throughout the mouth.

Possible contributors include hardened calculus, trapped food, a rough restoration, tobacco use, hormonal changes, dry mouth, medicines, or a condition affecting immune function.

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and rinse gently with water after food is trapped.

Do not stop cleaning the bleeding area because plaque left at the gum edge can maintain inflammation. A dental cleaning can remove calculus that a toothbrush cannot remove.

Book dental care if bleeding continues, swelling recurs, gums pull away from teeth, bad taste or pus appears, or a tooth becomes loose or painful.

Seek urgent help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask whether the bleeding is from gingivitis, periodontitis, a local irritant, or an infection, and whether periodontal measurements or dental radiographs are needed.

Ask which interdental tool fits your spaces and when your gums should be reassessed after professional cleaning.