What to do if you have swollen gums
Swollen gums usually reflect plaque-related inflammation, but a painful lump or spreading swelling needs prompt dental assessment.
The short answer
Brush gently along the gumline, clean between the teeth, and arrange a dental examination because swelling can result from gingivitis, trapped debris, or an infection.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gum swelling is enlargement and redness of the gingival tissue around a tooth or several teeth. Plaque bacteria commonly irritate the gum margin, while a deep cavity, gum pocket, food impaction, or dental abscess can inflame a more localized area.
What can you do next?
Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Do not cut, squeeze, or puncture a swollen area; a dentist may remove trapped material, clean periodontal pockets, treat decay, or drain an abscess after examining the tooth.
When should you seek dental care?
Book dental care promptly if swelling persists, recurs, bleeds easily, or is concentrated beside one tooth. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, inability to open the mouth normally, or rapidly increasing pain.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is from plaque-related gingivitis, periodontal disease, decay, a cracked tooth, or an abscess. Also ask whether you need periodontal measurements, a dental radiograph, professional cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, or drainage.
Frequently asked questions
Can swollen gums heal by themselves?
Mild plaque-related inflammation may improve with consistent brushing and interdental cleaning, but persistent or localized swelling needs examination for an underlying cause.
Is a gum lump an abscess?
It can be, but a lump may also reflect trapped food, irritation, or a periodontal pocket; examination and sometimes an X-ray distinguish these causes.