Enlarged gum
An enlarged gum may result from plaque, irritation, medication effects, eruption, or a local growth and should be assessed if it persists.
The short answer
An enlarged gum is tissue that appears thicker, swollen, or overgrown around a tooth or across part of the mouth. Causes include local inflammation, a trapped tooth, medication-related change, or another lesion.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Plaque makes gum tissue inflamed and puffy, while food trapping, a sharp restoration, or a partially erupted tooth can enlarge one site. Examination includes colour, bleeding, firmness, pockets, medicines, and the time course.
What can you do next?
Clean gently along the gumline and between teeth without cutting the tissue. Do not scrape, burn, or self-treat a persistent lump; note changes in size, colour, pain, and bleeding.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination when enlargement remains after cleaning, grows, bleeds, is painful, or interferes with eating. Rapidly spreading swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what structure is enlarged and whether plaque, a tooth, medication, or a separate lesion explains it. Ask whether imaging or tissue sampling is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point to remember?
Plaque makes gum tissue inflamed and puffy, while food trapping, a sharp restoration, or a partially erupted tooth can enlarge one site.
What should I do if it persists?
Book an examination when enlargement remains after cleaning, grows, bleeds, is painful, or interferes with eating.