Common causes of swollen gums (and how to treat it)
Swollen gums are a relatively common oral health problem that, with appropriate preventative care and treatment, often heals quickly. That said, swollen gums can also be a sign of a greater problem – especially when it’s persistent.
So, how do you tell if swollen gums are an issue, what causes swollen gums, and how do you treat the issue? Let’s dig in!
In this guide:
Are swollen gums a problem?
Swollen gums, on their own, may not necessarily indicate a problem, but they can be a symptom of a broader issue.
When swollen gums are caused by a relatively harmless issue such as stuck food or a mild injury, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. Removing the debris or letting the wound heal should reduce the swelling.
Where swollen gums may indicate a bigger problem are when it lasts for more than a couple of days, or you experience other symptoms – toothache, bleeding, bad breath, that sort of thing. In that case, it could be a sign of infection or decay, and a trip to the dentist should go right to the top of your to-do list!
Common causes of swollen gums
Causes of swollen gums related to oral health issues:
Gingivitis or periodontitis (aka gum disease).
Infection, either viral, bacterial or fungal (i.e. herpes and thrush).
Poorly fitted dentures, causing irritation.
Sensitivity to toothpaste (or mouthwash).
Irritation from recent orthodontic treatment.
Causes of swollen gums related to other factors:
Pregnancy: Swollen gums can occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body. Learn more here.
Other hormonal changes: Such as puberty and menopause, or hormonal treatment (like the pill).
Something stuck: Food trapped between a tooth and gums can cause irritation, leading to swelling.
Side effects: Certain medications can include swollen gums as a side effect, such as some blood pressure meds or cancer treatments.
Vitamin deficiencies: Including vitamin B and C.
Allergies.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Why does gum disease cause swollen gums?
Gum disease is generally caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, forming plaque which then hardens into tartar. Tartar poses a particular threat, as it can push the gums away from your teeth – creating more space for bacteria to grow.
If left untreated, gum disease can result in a variety of symptoms beyond swollen gums: bleeding, tooth decay, abscesses, receding gums, jaw bone damage and more.
How to treat swollen gums
Preventing swollen gums
Good oral health habits and a balanced diet can work wonders in preventing some of the causes of swollen gums, like gingivitis. A few tips to think about include:
Brush and floss regularly
Good brushing habits usually help with most common oral health problems, of which swollen gums are just one. Try to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time, with a good fluoride-containing toothpaste, making sure to get the fronts and backs of your teeth, plus the chewing surfaces.
It’s recommended that you try to floss regularly too, as much as once a day. That said, it’s up to you when you choose to floss, so you can fit it into your schedule and build a habit that you’ll maintain. Some people like to floss at night before they brush, to dislodge build-up that they then brush away. Others floss after eating certain meals, or add it to their morning routine to start the day fresh.
Learn more: How to clean your gums and keep them healthy
Eat a healthy diet
Consumption of certain foods is well-linked to oral health issues – sugar being the most famous culprit, though acids can also often contribute to tooth damage by softening your enamel.
Working on reducing your sugar intake (and monitoring acid intake, i.e. alcohol and fizzy drinks) could go far in helping your teeth stay healthier for longer.
When you do consume some of these foods, consider having a drink of water afterwards to rinse away excess sugar and acid.
Learn more: Does NZ need a sugar tax? And how to reduce your sugar intake
Drink plenty of water
Hydration isn’t just good for your body overall, it can also benefit your oral health. Drinking water helps your mouth produce saliva, a natural defence for neutralising acids, fighting germs and maintaining the wellbeing of your teeth.
When to see a dentist about swollen gums
If your swollen gums are a once-off and you’re fairly certain they were caused by stuck debris, you probably don’t need to see a dentist.
However, should your gums swell up without apparent cause, and especially if you experience other symptoms such as tooth pain, bleeding, jaw ache or chronic bad breath, it’s important you get to the dentist as quickly as possible. These could all be signs of a problem, and your dentist will guide you on what you need to do.
Common professional treatments for swollen gums
Advice
If your swollen gums aren’t too severe, and your mouth is otherwise in decent condition, you may come away from the dentist having required only a bit of personalised advice.
At your check-up, your dentist can take an x-ray of your mouth and conduct a thorough examination to learn more about your oral health, then give you specific advice to keep it in that good state - for example, specific cleaning techniques, alternative toothpastes to try, rinsing solutions to use, that sort of thing.
Cleaning and preventative care
To intervene before any symptoms of gum disease grow worse, your dentist may recommend a full clean, scale and polish by a trained dental hygienist.
What this would involve is essentially a deep-clean of your mouth, including the removal of hard tartar (which is extremely difficult to do at home), plus treating your teeth below the gum line.
It’s a chance for a good reset of your mouth, from a cleanliness point of view, allowing you to get on top of plaque and tartar and reduce the chance that you’ll experience more severe oral health symptoms.
Antibiotics or antiinflammatories
Depending on the cause of your swollen gums, your dentist may find it necessary to prescribe medication, typically in the form of antibiotics or antiinflammatories. These would help your body fight infection or reduce swelling, as is necessary for your mouth.
Surgery
Sometimes, damage from gum disease (or other oral health issues) can be severe enough to warrant surgery.
It’s hard to predict what surgery your mouth would need (if any at all!), because everyone’s situation is different. The procedure may be small, simply treating an abscess, or moderate, like a root canal. In severe instances, it’s possible one or more teeth would need to come out via a tooth extraction.
Home remedies for swollen gums
Before trying at-home remedies to treat your oral health, it’s always wise to first seek the advice of a professional. That way you don’t risk missing a severe or growing problem, and you can get the intervention you need when you need it.
That said, there are a number of home remedies which can help soothe swollen gums and your dentist is likely to recommend some of these in addition to their other advice.
Salt water rinse
A salt water rinse is well-known among dentists as an easy, inexpensive way to fight infection and help soothe inflammation.
To use it, what you would do is combine a teaspoon of salt per cup of warm (not hot) water, then swoosh some of it around your mouth twice a day. Many people find this helps promote better healing, and if you’ve got any open wounds (such as a surgical site), it may help keep the area clean.
Cold or hot compress
For generations of Kiwis, cold or hot compresses have been a trusted go-to for swollen, achy bodies.
A cold compress is generally best for an inflamed or swollen area as it may help to bring that swelling down. While you wouldn’t place a cold compress inside your mouth, you could wrap it in a towel and place it on the outside of your cheek.
Then, as the swelling comes down, a hot compress can increase blood flow and lessen lingering aches and pains in the area.
Avoid irritants
As you heal from whatever issue has caused your swollen mouth, it’s probably best to avoid irritants for at least a few days. Acids, strong chemicals, smoking and certain foods could all cause discomfort.
Consider avoiding:
Alcohol
Fizzy drinks
Energy drinks
Tobacco products
Strong mouthwashes
And, if you have a sensitive area in your mouth (such as a surgical site, open wound or inflamed gum) think about ditching spiky and spicy foods as well.
Learn more: What to eat after a tooth extraction
Manage your stress levels
Some studies have linked chronic stress to increased risk of gum disease. This paper, for example, found “positive association between exposure to stress and the presence of periodontitis.”
We know it’s a big ask to simply ‘manage stress’, which doesn’t always feel achievable. But, it’s a factor to consider as you treat your oral health. Take it easy as best you can.
How long does it take for swollen gums to go down?
Swollen gums caused by a relatively harmless problem go away within one to two days after you’ve addressed the issue (i.e. cleaning out stuck debris).
As for gingivitis, with some timely intervention to address plaque or tartar build-up, you may see results within one to two weeks.
For problems more severe than a stuck bit of food or early-stage gum disease, the timing varies quite a lot. You’ll need to see your dentist and find out what they say about your specific mouth.
Summary
Swollen gums are caused most commonly by relatively minor oral health issues, such as stuck food, irritation and early-stage gum disease. That said, if left untreated, problems associated with gum disease (and their symptoms) typically only get worse.
Good oral health care, hydration and a healthy diet can all reduce the chance you’ll experience swollen gums, as well as other oral health issues. And if you’re ever worried about a problem, it’s generally best to go see a dentist sooner rather than later for a check-up and, if necessary, timely intervention.
Book your dentist appointment today
Need to schedule a check-up or hygienist appointment? Call us on 09 430 0707, come in to see us on Maunu Road at the heart of Whangārei, or book online.