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What Conditions Cause Swollen Gums?

Medically reviewed by Jezreel Esguerra, MD · General Practitioner


Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Jan 15, 2023

    What Conditions Cause Swollen Gums?

    There are numerous efficient home remedies for swollen gums, and maintaining good oral hygiene may help prevent the problem. Swollen gums typically indicate an underlying problem, such as gum disease or infection.

    What Are Gums?

    Your gums are made of firm, pink tissue that covers your jawbone. It is thick, fibrous, and full of blood vessels. They are also very important to your oral health. Gingivitis is a common cause of swollen gums, along with other factors like nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, or infections. Depending on the cause, there are various potential treatments and preventative measures.

    Gum swelling often starts where the gum meets the tooth, but it can get so bad that it starts to cover some of the teeth. If your gums get swollen, they may protrude or pop out. Gingival swelling, commonly known as swollen gums, are more often unpleasant, sensitive, or irritated than their typical pink color. You may also notice that your gums seem to bleed more readily after using a toothbrush or floss.

    Gum swelling is a frequent condition in which one or more of the triangle-shaped pieces of gum between teeth—known as papillae—become unusually enlarged, bulging, or projecting. Sometimes the gums swell completely blocking the teeth.

    Reasons For Swollen Gums

    Here are some potential causes of swollen gums:

    Food fragments in the teeth

    It may be as easy as getting food particles lodged in the teeth for the cause of sore gums.

    For instance, chewing popcorn may result in hard fragments of kernel getting caught between the teeth and occasionally lodged in the gums, which can easily result in irritation and swelling in the area.

    Most of the time, if the person brushes and flosses the food particles out of their mouth, these symptoms go away quickly.

    Gingivitis

    One of the most frequent conditions to cause swollen gums is gingivitis, a stage of gum disease that causes swelling and irritation in the gums. This is likely what a dentist will look for initially.

    Even though a person with gingivitis may only experience slight discomfort or sensitivity and be unaware of it, therapy is crucial. Without treatment, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis or periodontal disease, a dangerous gum infection.

    A few other symptoms to look out for that may indicate periodontal disease include:

    • An unpleasant aftertaste
    • Extremely foul breath that lingers even after cleansing
    • Sensitive teeth
    • Tooth loss or crooked teeth
    • Aching, red gums
    • Difficulty chewing
    • Bluish gums
    • Shrinking gums
    • Altered dental positioning in the mouth

    Pregnancy

    Even if a woman has great dental health, pregnancy might cause her gums to swell. The quick and severe hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may significantly increase blood flow to the gums and make them more sensitive to swelling.

    Infections

    Infections in the mouth could result in problems like gum swelling. For instance, oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth, can result in symptoms like swelling. Chronic infections like herpes may also create problems that result in swollen gums.

    An abscess or other consequences from infected teeth may also cause swelling, especially in one area of the gums.

    Other factors

    Some other health issues may cause gum swelling, though they may be less common. They are:

    • Adverse effects of some drugs
    • Malnutrition
    • Sensitivity to dental care products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash constituents
    • Wearing dentures, crowns, or other dental devices that are not properly fitted

    A dentist would always discuss the patient’s other symptoms and medical history with them to identify the underlying cause.

    Treatment For Swollen Gums

    The first step in medical treatment for swollen gums is a visit to the dentist. Regular dental examinations and cleanings can help detect and stop oral health problems before they become serious. Depending on the underlying problem, the dentist will advise a certain medicine or course of therapy.

    Medical treatments for oral issues may include:

    • Therapeutic mouthwashes
    • Ointments
    • Medicated toothpaste

    How To Prevent Swollen Gums

    These measures may help prevent swelling or ease the symptom:

    • Brush frequently, preferably after each meal or at least twice daily.
    • Regularly floss.
    • Utilize mild dental care items like toothpaste and mouthwash.
    • Avoid sugary beverages since they may cause bacterial accumulation in the mouth.
    • Do not use chew or smoke tobacco.
    • Avoid alcohol and alcoholic mouthwashes since they might cause gum irritation and drying.
    • Avoid eating items with sharp edges, such as chips, seeds, and popcorn, as they may cause pain in the teeth.

    It’s crucial to remember that these suggestions should only be used as a supplement to a thorough diagnosis and treatment. Swollen or inflamed gums often indicate an underlying problem, and neglecting these symptoms could make the problem worse in the long run.

    Home Remedies

    Although maintaining good dental hygiene will often prevent health difficulties, problems may still arise.

    If oral symptoms such as swelling in the gums do occur, there are some home remedies that show promise:

    Saltwater

    Rinsing gums with saltwater was shown to boost wound healing, suggesting that utilizing a saltwater rinse may improve oral health and alleviate gum inflammation.

    For each session, a straightforward saltwater rinse using around 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water should suffice. After allowing the salt to dissolve, users should gently swish the mixture in their mouths for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

    Flavored oils

    Additionally, several essential oils might improve overall dental health. Some essential oil mouthwashes were more successful than some pharmaceutical mouthwashes at reducing plaque and inflammation in gingivitis patients. According to a study published in the European Journal of Dentistry, the essential oils of thyme, peppermint, clove, and tea tree are particularly effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria that might cause common mouth problems in cell cultures.

    A mouthwash containing lemongrass oil reduced plaque and other signs of gingivitis more effectively than a common medicated mouthwash, according to another study. However, more research is required.

    People should make sure that any mouthwash containing essential oils does not also contain harsh components, such as alcohol, as these ingredients may aggravate the gums further, before using it to treat gum swelling.

    Turmeric

    The yellow spice turmeric may also reduce gum swelling. Some studies show that turmeric can successfully help control oral plaque and lessen gingivitis symptoms. Researchers speculate that this is because turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.

    Home cures are not a replacement for a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment, despite the fact that they could temporarily relieve irritable gum swelling. Any person suffering swollen gums should visit a dentist for a complete diagnosis and treatment as any underlying disorders could cause major issues.

    Key Takeaways

    The majority of the time, swollen gums are not a cause for concern, although they are a prevalent problem.

    Gum swelling that persists for more than a couple of days could indicate an underlying condition like gingivitis, periodontitis, or a tooth abscess. If swelling is accompanied by a fever, a person should call their dentist right away.

    People should consult a dentist if other symptoms develop and should not disregard signs like swollen gums.

    Learn more about Gum Disease here

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    Jezreel Esguerra, MD

    General Practitioner


    Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Jan 15, 2023

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