Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque along the gum line irritating the tissue - gingivitis. Other causes include something trapped between the teeth, an abscess, a partly erupted wisdom tooth, or hormonal changes. Gentle cleaning and warm salt-water rinses help mild cases. Swelling with pain, fever or a spreading area needs to be seen.
Common causes
- Gingivitis - plaque along the gum line, the most common cause by far
- Food or debris trapped between teeth or under the gum
- A partly erupted wisdom tooth with a flap of gum over it
- An abscess in the tooth or the gum pocket
- Hormonal changes - pregnancy and puberty both increase gum sensitivity to plaque
- A poorly fitting denture or an overhanging filling rubbing the gum
- Some medications, which can cause gum overgrowth
What helps
If the swelling is mild and generalised, it is usually inflammation from plaque, and the answer is better cleaning rather than less.
- Brush gently but thoroughly along the gum line twice a day
- Clean between the teeth daily - this is where it usually starts
- Warm salt-water rinses
- Cold compress on the outside of the cheek for a localised swelling
- Stop smoking if you can - it makes gum disease worse and hides the bleeding that would otherwise warn you
Bleeding is not normal
Gums that bleed when you brush are inflamed. It is extremely common, which is not the same as normal. Treated early, gingivitis reverses completely. Left alone it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone supporting the teeth is lost - and that does not come back.
See a dentist if
- The swelling is painful, localised, or getting worse
- You have a fever or feel unwell
- The swelling is spreading into your face or neck
- Gums bleed persistently despite a couple of weeks of good cleaning
- A tooth in the swollen area feels loose
- Swallowing or breathing is affected - call 111
We're in central Queenstown and keep room for emergencies. Call 03 441 8248.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Reviewed by Dr Adrian Paul, BDS (Otago), principal dentist at Lakeside Dental Practice. If you're worried about a specific problem, see a dentist.
