Enlarged gums
Enlarged gums can result from inflammation, plaque, medicines, hormonal changes, or tissue overgrowth and need an examination to identify the cause.
The short answer
Enlarged gums can result from inflammation, plaque, medicines, hormonal changes, or tissue overgrowth and need an examination to identify the cause. Treatment may involve professional cleaning, improved plaque control, a medicine review, or gum surgery depending on the finding.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The gingiva may look puffy, overlap more of the tooth, bleed easily, or feel tender. A dentist checks the gum margins, pockets, tooth surfaces, bite, and medicines, and may take radiographs when bone or an underlying tooth problem is suspected.
What can you do next?
Brush gently along the gumline twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without the prescriber, and arrange a dental examination rather than cutting the tissue yourself.
When should you seek dental care?
Book care if enlargement persists, recurs, bleeds, causes bad breath, or makes cleaning difficult. Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling, facial swelling, fever, severe pain, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which cause is most likely, whether gum measurements or radiographs are needed, and whether a medicine could contribute. Ask what treatment will reduce the swelling and how to prevent it returning.
Frequently asked questions
Can enlarged gums grow over teeth?
Yes. Swelling or tissue overgrowth can cover part of a tooth and make plaque removal harder, so the cause should be treated.
Will brushing remove enlarged gums?
Brushing can reduce plaque-related inflammation, but tissue enlargement from medicines, fibrous overgrowth, or another condition needs professional assessment.