How to tell if my gums are swollen
Swollen gums may look red, rounded, shiny, or enlarged and may bleed, feel tender, or partly cover the teeth.
The short answer
Swollen gums may look red, rounded, shiny, or enlarged and may bleed, feel tender, or partly cover the teeth. A dentist confirms the finding by examining the gum margins and measuring the space between gum and tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Healthy gingiva usually fits closely around the teeth and has a firm surface. Plaque at the gumline can trigger gingivitis, while trapped food, a broken filling, hormonal changes, or infection can produce swelling in one area.
What can you do next?
Brush gently along the gumline with a soft brush and clean between the teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Rinse with water after meals, and avoid squeezing a lump or scrubbing the swollen tissue.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination if swelling lasts, recurs, bleeds easily, or is linked with bad taste, loose teeth, or pain. Urgent assessment is needed for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, periodontitis, an abscess, or irritation from a tooth or restoration. Ask whether professional cleaning, gum measurements, X-rays, or treatment of a specific tooth is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can swollen gums heal on their own?
Mild irritation may improve with careful plaque removal, but ongoing swelling needs assessment to find and treat its cause.
Why is only one gum swollen?
A single area may be reacting to trapped food, local irritation, a cavity, or infection near one tooth.