Gingival swelling causes
Gingival swelling can result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, hormonal changes, medication, a gum abscess, or infection in a tooth.
What are the possible causes of gingival swelling?
Gingival swelling can result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, hormonal changes, medication, a gum abscess, or infection in a tooth.
What does it mean when the gum looks enlarged or puffy?
Gingival swelling means the gum is enlarged or puffy. Generalized swelling often suggests a broader trigger, while one swollen site can indicate a local tooth or pocket problem.
What details should you note while monitoring gum swelling?
Brush gently at the gumline, clean between teeth, and note bleeding, pus, pain, bad taste, fever, medicines, and whether one tooth is involved.
When should persistent or draining gum swelling be examined?
Arrange examination for persistent, recurrent, bleeding, or draining swelling. Rapid facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing is urgent.
Which tests can identify the source of gum swelling?
Ask whether the swelling is gingival, periodontal, or caused by pulp, and whether probing, vitality testing, or radiographs are needed.
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.