Could Your Swollen Gums Be a Sign of Gum Disease?

Experiencing swelling in your gums is a common occurrence for most people. The gingiva (tissue at the base of your teeth) may feel enlarged, inflamed, and irritated. The swelling may affect one or more of your papillae—gum areas between your teeth.

If you notice swollen gums lasting more than two weeks or making it harder for you to talk or eat, see your dentist (a physician specializing in oral health conditions) right away. It could be a sign of a more severe oral health condition.

Swollen gums may look red and puffy at the root of your teeth. In some cases, you may also notice more of your tooth being exposed or bleeding from your gums. They may also stick out more and feel tender to the touch.

There are several reasons you could be experiencing swollen gums. This can range from brushing too hard, an allergic reaction, or gum disease. Your dentist can perform tests and examine your mouth to determine what may be causing inflammation in your gums.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums, is an early sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease causes inflammation in your bones and the tissue supporting your teeth.

Swollen gums are one of the main symptoms of gingivitis. Other symptoms include bleeding along the gum line, bright red or reddish-purple gums, bad breath, and mouth sores. Most cases of gingivitis come from a build-up of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Infections

Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections are another common cause of swollen gums. Viral infections like herpetic stomatitis can cause mouth ulcers, blisters, swollen gums, and other symptoms. Herpetic stomatitis is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). You can contract HSV and similar viruses from others by sharing straws or saliva with someone with symptoms.

Certain Medications

Side effects from certain medications, such as oral contraceptives like birth control pills, can cause swollen, inflamed gums in some people. The immune response to the medication can lead to a hormonal imbalance, causing swollen gums.

Studies suggest that you can prevent gum swelling while taking oral contraceptives by keeping up with your dental cleanings every six months or three to four months if recommended by your dentist.

Dental Appliances

For people who have previously had braces, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by flossing regularly to prevent swollen gums. Retainers that fit improperly can also cause swollen gums. To prevent this, see your orthodontist (a doctor specializing in the structure of your teeth) to adjust your retainer if it is too tight.

Flossing twice daily keeps your gums healthy by reducing your risk of gingivitis and other health conditions.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger changes in your oral health. You may experience more sensitivity in your gums and an increased risk for gingivitis while pregnant.

Speak with your dentist to determine if you need to come in for cleanings more often during your pregnancy. You may also consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to prevent plaque buildup.

Toothpaste or Mouthwash Sensitivity

You may have a sensitivity to certain toothpaste or mouthwashes that cause inflammation in your gums. Your dentist can give you alternate products to use for your teeth if they determine this is the cause.

Other Causes

Malnutrition is an imbalance in nutrients or energy your body gets from food. This can cause damage to your soft tissue, including your gums. Other symptoms may include redness and bleeding in your gums. Elderly adults are at an increased risk of oral health conditions like periodontal disease, a common cause of swollen gums, from a lack of nutrients.

Having leftover food consistently stuck in between your teeth can also increase your risk for swollen gums. Your dentist may suggest flossing more often if you struggle with food debris getting caught in your teeth.

Schedule a visit with your dentist if you have swollen gums for over two weeks. Make an appointment even sooner if you are also experiencing pain, bleeding gums, bad breath, or bright red or purple gums.

During your visit, your dentist may ask questions about your symptoms and oral hygiene habits. They often use a probe (a small metal dental instrument) to check for gingivitis and periodontitis (the most advanced stage of gum disease). If they suspect gingivitis may be causing your swelling, your dentist may request a dental x-ray. X-rays help dentists to examine your gums and teeth in greater detail. In some instances, a dentist may also request a blood test.

Treatment for swollen gums depends on the underlying cause. If your swollen gums are caused by a bacterial infection that leads to gingivitis, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and/or perform a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove plaque buildup. More severe cases may require a procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque near your gum line, while root planing removes plaque deep into the gums.

If a specific medication or drug is causing swelling in your gums, your healthcare provider may give you another alternate medication. Always consult your healthcare provider before you stop using any recommended medications.

To prevent swollen gums, your dentist may suggest several ways to maintain good oral hygiene.

This may include:

Seeing your dentist once every six months for a dental check-up and cleaningBrushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutesFlossing your teeth at least once a dayReducing how often you consume sugary foodsReplacing your toothbrush every 3-4 monthsTrying to avoid tobaccoLimiting how much alcohol you drink

If swollen gums are left untreated, it can develop into more serious oral health conditions like periodontitis. In its most advanced stage, periodontitis can cause tooth loss. Not seeing your dentist for an extended period of time can also increase your risk of complications.

Swollen gums are a common oral health condition that causes your gums to feel tender, inflamed, and, in some cases, bleed. If your swollen gums last longer than two weeks, see your dentist as soon as possible to determine what may be causing it. This can prevent your swollen gums from developing into gum disease.