How to get rid of gum overgrowth
Gum overgrowth is treated by removing the cause, controlling inflammation, and reshaping excess gum tissue when needed.
How is gum overgrowth treated?
Gum overgrowth is treated by removing the cause, controlling inflammation, and reshaping excess gum tissue when needed.
What does excess gum tissue around a tooth mean?
Gum overgrowth means excess gingival tissue covers more of a tooth or oral surface than expected. Plaque-related inflammation, orthodontic appliances, mouth breathing, inherited conditions, and some medicines can contribute.
What can you do to manage gum overgrowth?
Brush along the gum margin with a soft brush, clean between teeth, and have hardened calculus removed professionally. The dentist may review medicines with your prescriber, treat periodontal inflammation, and perform gingivectomy or another periodontal procedure when tissue remains enlarged.
When should gum overgrowth be examined by a dentist?
Book an examination if the tissue bleeds, makes cleaning difficult, covers an erupting tooth, changes quickly, or returns after cleaning. Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading swelling, severe pain, fever, or trouble swallowing.
What should you ask about enlarged gum tissue?
Ask what is enlarging the gum, whether there is periodontal pocketing or calculus, and whether a medicine review is appropriate. Ask how much tissue can be treated without harming the gum attachment or bone.
Frequently asked questions
Will cleaning remove all gum overgrowth?
Cleaning can reduce inflammatory swelling, but fibrous or medicine-related tissue may need further treatment.
Can I cut the gum at home?
No. Self-cutting can injure tissue and introduce infection; the cause should be assessed clinically.
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.