This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Your gums are very important for your oral health, so it is wise to check for any sudden changes in appearance or colour. When gums become inflamed, they may appear swollen, change colour, or protrude around your teeth.
Gums can become swollen for several reasons, including underlying health conditions such as gum disease, gingivitis, infections, and certain vitamin deficiencies. As a result, it is always important to get swollen gums checked by a dentist or dental hygienist, but often the condition can be treated at home.
Keep reading to find out some of the most common reasons behind inflamed gums and what treatment can be used to prevent this condition.
What causes swelling in the gums
Several underlying conditions and imbalances can cause swollen gums. Some of the most common reasons include:
Gingivitis – An early stage of gum disease characterised by irritated and swollen gums.
Pregnancy – Gum swelling in pregnancy can occur due to the rapid change in hormone levels that pregnancy can cause sending more blood to the gums than is necessary.
Infections - Some chronic infections such as herpes can cause swollen gums. An oral thrush (yeast) infection can also cause swollen gums.
Other causes – Other common causes include side effects of some medications, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamins B and C), allergies to ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash, and poorly fitted dentures, crowns, or other dental appliances.
Some of these causes will be difficult or impossible to diagnose at home, so you should always see a dentist or doctor if you believe you are suffering from swollen gums to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment for swollen gums
Medical Treatment
If your gums have been swollen for 2 weeks, it is advisable to talk to a dentist so the cause of the problem can be assessed.
Your dentist will likely ask about any habits or changes you may have recently undergone and take a mouth x-ray to ensure there is no damage in the area.
Treatment for swollen gums will vary depending on the underlying causes. Some of the common treatments recommended by dental and healthcare professionals are prescribed oral rinses, specific non-allergenic toothpaste, and, occasionally, antibiotics.
A more common, and less intensive procedure is scaling and root planning, which scrapes away plaque, and tartar to allow your gums to heal and return to their normal state. In severe cases of swollen gums, minor oral surgery may be required.
At home treatment
Swollen gums can be treated and soothed at home with simple remedies. A few ways you can manage and treat swollen gums at home include:
Gently brushing and flossing your teeth.
Saltwater rinses and antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce bacteria.
Keeping well hydrated.
Avoiding irritants such as tobacco and alcohol.
Placing an ice pack on painful areas.
If these treatments are not providing sufficient relief for your inflamed gums, then seek dental or medical advice.
How to prevent swollen gums
If you are worried about your swollen gums, there are several easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of the condition worsening.
Good oral care routine should be the basis of any preventative dental care. Keeping your mouth clean by brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash, and flossing, prevents the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar and reduces the risk of gum swelling as a result.
Antibacterial fluoride toothpaste like stannous fluoride can also help reduce this risk and help maintain a good general oral health.
When should I visit a dentist for swollen gums
Home remedies can help alleviate some of the pain of swollen gums, and sometimes the condition itself. When these remedies do not appear to be working, it is best to seek professional advice and care.
If your gums are swollen for 2 weeks or more, then ask your dentist or doctor about swollen gums and detail your symptoms. Healthcare professionals will be able to diagnose the cause of your swollen gums and treat the condition accordingly.
Summary
Swollen gums can be painful, uncomfortable, and worrying, especially if you are unfamiliar with the condition. In most cases, swollen gums can be treated at home. However, seeking professional attention is still advised just to ensure that no serious conditions are causing your gum swelling.
Remember to always maintain a good oral hygiene routine and use fluoride toothpaste to reduce your risk of gum swelling and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to heal swollen gums?
There are many ways to treat swollen gums including gently brushing your teeth and flossing. Unfortunately, none of these methods are likely to work overnight and will instead take effect over a few weeks.
Why is my gum swollen around one tooth?
Gum swelling around a singular tooth is often the result of food and bacteria stuck in the gums. This type of swelling could also be a result of a dental abscess, you should seek professional dental attention if you believe this is the case.
How to get rid of swollen gums with braces overnight?
Swollen gums can result from braces trapping food and bacteria in your teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth carefully, using dental picks, and flossing can reverse this. If the swelling persists, contact your dentist.
Do your gums swell up when wisdom teeth come through?
Wisdom teeth breaking through can cause swollen gums and discomfort. You can minimise this by keeping the area clean via very gently brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
What can you eat when your gums are swollen?
When you have swollen gums, it is a good idea to eat softer foods that are less likely to irritate or hurt the tender gums.
What over-the-counter medicine is good for swollen gums?
Most medicines that will treat swollen gums are not available over the counter, speak to your doctor if you believe you need medicine to treat gum swelling.
