Swollen and sensitive gums
Swollen, tender gums often reflect plaque-related inflammation, but an abscess, trauma, medication, or periodontal disease can also cause them.
The short answer
Swollen, tender gums most often reflect plaque-related gingival inflammation, but a localized abscess, trauma, medication effect, or periodontal disease can also cause them.
What should you ask about treating sensitive swollen gums?
Can I massage the swelling away? Avoid forceful pressure. The cause may be beneath the gum or inside a tooth and needs diagnosis.
Why are my gums sensitive after a new filling? A high bite, rough margin, trapped food, or unrelated inflammation can contribute, so the restoration and surrounding tissues should be checked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I massage the swelling away?
Avoid forceful pressure. The cause may be beneath the gum or inside a tooth and needs diagnosis.
Why are my gums sensitive after a new filling?
A high bite, rough margin, trapped food, or unrelated inflammation can contribute, so the restoration and surrounding tissues should be checked.
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.