Gum teeth swollen
Swollen gums commonly reflect plaque inflammation, trapped food, irritation, or infection, and the cause determines treatment.
What are the common causes of swollen gums?
Swollen gums commonly reflect plaque inflammation, trapped food, irritation, or infection, and the cause determines treatment.
How can inflamed gums look and feel?
Inflamed gingiva may be red, tender, rounded, or prone to bleeding. One area can also be affected by a cavity, periodontal pocket, wisdom tooth, or abscess.
What gentle care can you provide for swollen gums?
Brush softly, clean between teeth, and rinse with plain warm water. Do not puncture the swelling; examination may include periodontal probing, tooth tests, and an X-ray.
When should persistent gum swelling be examined?
See a dentist if swelling persists or comes with pain, pus, fever, loose teeth, or bad taste. Rapid spread or breathing difficulty is urgent.
How can a dentist locate the source of the swelling?
Ask whether the source is the gum, tooth root, periodontal pocket, or wisdom tooth, and what treatment the findings require.
Frequently asked questions
Can this problem resolve without dental treatment?
Symptoms may fluctuate, but treatment depends on the diagnosed cause and damaged tissue.
What information helps at an appointment?
Describe onset, triggers, medicines used, and any swelling, bleeding, trauma, or visible change.
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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.