If you notice your gums feel tender, are a little puffy, or maybe even redder than usual, should you be concerned? Swollen gums can be uncomfortable and sometimes even alarming. Is it normal or something more serious?
Here, we’ll discuss some causes of swollen gums and when it’s time to consult your dentist.
Swollen gums occur when the soft tissue surrounding your teeth becomes irritated or inflamed. This could range from mild puffiness to significant enlargement and redness. It’s often the body’s response to an underlying issue.
Common symptoms that accompany swollen gums include:
Swollen gums can stem from several causes. While some are harmless, others might require quick attention.
The most frequent cause of swollen gums is poor dental hygiene. When plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth and gums. This can lead to gum irritation and sensitivity. If left untreated the next step is gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Swollen gums are a major symptom of gum disease, which typically progresses in stages. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, causing mild discomfort and swelling. With proper care, it is reversible. The more advanced stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and damage to the underlying bone if untreated.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to swelling. These changes affect blood flow to the gums, often resulting in tenderness, inflammation, and even bleeding.
While these changes can be completely normal and not indicate a problem, women experiencing gum discomfort due to hormonal changes should continue to be diligent about their oral care routine and consult their dentist to rule out other causes of their symptoms.
Deficiencies in certain nutrients, particularly vitamin C or B12, can impact gum health. These vitamins are both important for healthy gums. A lack of such nutrients might result in swollen, bleeding gums. In addition, inadequate vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, including the jaw, which can impact both tooth and gum health.
Consuming a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and other vitamin-packed foods can help prevent these issues.
Smoking or chewing tobacco doesn’t just impact your lungs—it’s also linked to gum problems, including swelling. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal and fight off infection. Quitting tobacco use can significantly improve gum health and reduce swelling over time.
Sometimes, swollen gums can result from reactions to products like mouthwash, toothpaste, or foods. Irritants, like ill-fitting dentures or braces, might also trigger gum inflammation. Discuss these possibilities with your dentist. We can rule out other causes and help you get to the root cause of gum irritation.
Occasionally, swollen gums might signal a more significant underlying condition, such as diabetes or immune-related issues. Diabetes, for example, increases the risk of periodontal disease, making swollen gums a common symptom among patients with poorly managed blood sugar levels.
If you’re dealing with swollen gums, there are steps you can take at home to alleviate discomfort before seeing a dentist.
Continue brushing and flossing carefully, even if your gums feel sensitive. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid further irritation.
Dehydration can worsen gum irritation. Drink plenty of water to help your mouth stay hydrated and promote healing.
Use a cold pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb discomfort when pain is severe.
Steer clear of mouthwashes with alcohol or strong whitening agents that could aggravate your gums.
While these remedies can help ease symptoms, they won’t address underlying causes that require professional intervention.
Persistent or severe gum swelling should never be ignored. It’s time to see your dentist if:
Swollen gums are not an issue to brush off—literally or figuratively. If you have swollen gums or any other gum symptoms, schedule an appointment with us ASAP.
