What can you do if your gums are swollen
Swollen gums usually reflect inflammation from plaque, trapped food, irritation, or infection, and treatment depends on the cause.
What is the direct answer?
Swollen gums usually reflect inflammation from plaque, trapped food, irritation, or infection, and treatment depends on the cause.
What does this question mean?
Plaque can cause gingivitis, while a cavity, cracked tooth, erupting tooth, restoration, or abscess can produce localized swelling. A dentist examines the gum, tooth, bite, and sometimes the bone with imaging.
What can you do next?
Brush gently and clean between teeth, use a soothing warm salt-water rinse if desired, and do not squeeze the swelling or place aspirin on it. Avoid leftover antibiotics.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for persistent or worsening swelling, pus, fever, toothache, or facial swelling; breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, or mechanical irritation and which treatment removes its source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point to remember?
Swollen gums usually reflect inflammation from plaque, trapped food, irritation, or infection, and treatment depends on the cause.
What should happen next?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, or mechanical irritation and which treatment removes its source.
What can explain the symptom or concern?
Plaque can cause gingivitis, while a cavity, cracked tooth, erupting tooth, restoration, or abscess can produce localized swelling. A dentist examines the gum, tooth, bite, and sometimes the bone with imaging.