What causes swollen gums
Gum swelling most often reflects inflammation of the gingiva around plaque and tartar.
The short answer
Gum swelling most often reflects inflammation of the gingiva around plaque and tartar. Other causes include food trapped between teeth, vigorous brushing, ill-fitting restorations, hormonal changes, medicines, and a dental abscess.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swelling is a change in soft tissue, not a diagnosis by itself. Color, tenderness, bleeding, duration, and whether one tooth or many areas are involved help narrow the cause.
What can you do next?
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and rinse with water after food becomes trapped. Do not puncture a swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist if swelling lasts, recurs, bleeds easily, or is accompanied by pain, bad taste, looseness, or pus. Facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent attention.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, periodontal disease, trauma, a trapped object, a medicine effect, or an abscess, and what examination or X-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed from one symptom alone?
Usually not. Location, duration, examination findings, and sometimes imaging determine the diagnosis.
What should I do while arranging care?
Use gentle oral hygiene, avoid aggravating the area, and seek prompt help for worsening pain, swelling, or functional difficulty.