Gum is inflamed
An inflamed gum is swollen, red, tender, or prone to bleeding, usually because plaque irritates the gingival tissue.
What is the direct answer?
An inflamed gum is swollen, red, tender, or prone to bleeding, usually because plaque irritates the gingival tissue.
What does this question mean?
Gingival inflammation is the tissue response around a tooth, often visible at the gum margin. Plaque, calculus, trapped food, dental work, hormones, and infection can contribute.
What can you do next?
Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Avoid tobacco and picking at the swollen tissue.
When should you seek dental care?
Book care when inflammation lasts or recurs, especially with bleeding, pus, bad taste, fever, pain, or mobility. Breathing or swallowing difficulty is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what is inflaming the gingiva and whether pocket measurements show periodontal disease. Ask whether scaling, a filling, or restoration adjustment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is one part of my gum inflamed?
A trapped irritant, plaque, a cavity, a fractured tooth, or a restoration edge can localize inflammation.
Does inflamed gum tissue heal?
Mild inflammation can settle when its cause is removed, but recession or supporting-tissue loss needs care.