Gingival overgrowth
Gingival overgrowth is an increase in gum tissue that may be related to plaque, medicines, hormonal changes, inflammation, or a local lesion.
What can cause gum tissue to grow over the teeth?
Gingival overgrowth is an increase in gum tissue that may be related to plaque, medicines, hormonal changes, inflammation, or a local lesion.
How can inflamed and fibrotic gum overgrowth differ?
Inflamed gingiva may look puffy, red, or bleed easily, while fibrotic overgrowth can feel firm and cover part of the crown. A dentist checks plaque, tartar, tooth position, medicines, medical history, and whether one area differs from the rest.
How can you clean safely around enlarged gum tissue?
Clean gently around the enlarged tissue with a soft brush and interdental aid, and keep prescribed medicine lists up to date. Do not stop a medicine on your own, and do not cut the gum at home.
When does gum overgrowth require a dental examination?
Book an examination if the tissue interferes with brushing, chewing, speech, or tooth eruption, or if it bleeds, ulcerates, grows quickly, or forms a distinct lump. Facial swelling or fever needs urgent care.
What is causing the overgrowth and does it need treatment?
Ask what is causing the enlargement, whether a medicine review is appropriate, whether periodontal cleaning will reduce it, and whether tissue removal or a biopsy is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I manage this entirely at home?
Clean gently around the enlarged tissue with a soft brush and interdental aid, and keep prescribed medicine lists up to date. Do not stop a medicine on your own, and do not cut the gum at home.
What would make this need prompt care?
Book an examination if the tissue interferes with brushing, chewing, speech, or tooth eruption, or if it bleeds, ulcerates, grows quickly, or forms a distinct lump. Facial swelling or fever needs urgent care.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.