What's wrong if your gums are swollen
Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque-related inflammation, but infection, trapped irritants, medicines, hormones, or another oral condition can al
The short answer
Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque-related inflammation, but infection, trapped irritants, medicines, hormones, or another oral condition can also contribute.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gingival swelling is increased fluid, blood flow, or tissue volume around teeth. Plaque, calculus, a food fragment, rough restoration, erupting tooth, or tooth-root infection can create localized or generalized swelling.
What can you do next?
Brush gently at the gumline and clean between teeth without picking or squeezing the tissue. Avoid tobacco and irritants, and do not place caustic substances on the swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange care if swelling lasts, returns, bleeds, or causes pain or bad taste. Fever, rapidly spreading facial swelling, or difficulty opening, swallowing, or breathing is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the cause is gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, an erupting tooth, or another lesion and whether probing, imaging, cleaning, drainage, or referral is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed from symptoms alone?
No. Several dental conditions can produce similar symptoms, so an examination and targeted tests may be needed.
What should I avoid while waiting?
Avoid poking, squeezing, or applying household chemicals to the area, and arrange appropriate dental assessment.