Swollen Gums: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

20 Nov 2025

You may feel concern when looking in the mirror and seeing swollen gums. But have you ever wondered what causes swollen gums?

Inflamed, swelling gums usually indicate a problem in the mouth, though they can occasionally reflect underlying health conditions. However, painful swollen gums may also be a result of other health conditions in the body, such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes or diabetes.

If you notice swollen gums for more than 2 weeks, please visit your healthcare provider immediately. They can evaluate the root cause and guide on treatment options that may be needed. Now let’s go over what swollen gums actually mean.

What do swollen gums mean?

Swollen gums are a common condition associated with gum disease. However, there are many reasons you could develop puffy sore gums. Other possible causes of swollen gums include hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies or infections. Swollen gums can be a temporary or permanent condition.

What do swollen gums look like?

Swollen gums may appear reddish or purplish in colour due to increased blood flow. They will also look smooth or shiny. Swollen gums may bleed, especially if gum disease is present, but not all swollen gums bleed.

What causes inflamed gums?

Swollen gums may occur from dental problems or from other health issues as well.

For instance, dental gum swelling causes include:

• Getting something such as food debris stuck in your gums
• Tooth abscess
• Gingivitis or inflamed gums – early stage gum disease
• Periodontitis – advanced gum disease
• Trench mouth – a severe acute gum infection caused by specific bacteria
• Gingivostomatitis –infection of the mouth occurring from virus or bacteria
• Poor fitting of dentures or other dental appliances
• Orthodontic treatment
• Tooth decay
• Infected tooth
• Fracture of the dental root
• Foreign bodies trapped under the gum, such as food particles or residual dental materials

Other potential causes include:

• Side effects of certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, phenytoin or ciclosporin, which can cause gum overgrowth
• Viral infections including HIV or oral herpes
• Fungal infections such as thrush
• Deficiency of vitamin B
• Deficiency of vitamin C or scurvy 
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Smoking habits or consumption of tobacco or similar products
• Changes in hormonal balance during puberty, pregnancy and menopause
• Blood cancers such as leukaemia
• Pregnancy
• Sensitivity to certain toothpaste or mouthwash

Symptoms of Swollen Gums

The symptoms listed below are common occurrences with swollen, inflamed gums:

• Gum discomfort
• Gum redness and swelling
• Gum bleeding
• Discolouration or dark patches on the gum line (bruising is uncommon)
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession

How do healthcare providers treat swollen gums?

How your swollen gum is treated depends on the reasons for inflamed gums. If you have gum disease, your dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) may suggest treatment for the disease.

Common inflamed gum treatments by dental professionals include:

• Antibiotics
• Tooth scaling and root planing – deep dental cleaning
• Osseous surgery – to eliminate the pockets surrounding your teeth

If the swelling of gums is localised to one tooth, you may have a dental abscess. Your dentist may also suggest tooth extraction or root canal therapy in such case. 

If you are suffering from swollen gums but do not have gum disease, your healthcare provider will assess your condition to find out the original cause of your swollen gums. They would most likely order tests to check if you have some health related condition, such as vitamin deficiencies, diabetes or an infection. Then, they would provide appropriate gum swelling treatment if needed once they figure out the root cause.

What can be done to prevent swollen gums?

The following care can help your swollen gums heal and recover:

• Modify your brushing technique: Pick a toothbrush with soft bristles and use the brush in gentle motions back and forth. Avoid brushing too aggressively as this may harm the tissue surrounding your teeth.
• Floss slowly: Take adequate time to floss your teeth in order to remove all food particles wedged between your teeth. Slide the floss slowly in between each tooth. Don’t yank the floss out and down quickly. This action will injure your gums.
• Swish and rinse: Usually, washing your mouth with water will remove food particles as well as sweet or acidic substances. Swish the water vigorously around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. A warm saltwater rinse can be used for a few days, but long-term frequent use is not recommended.
• Apply compresses: If you have puffy and sore gums, consider applying warm and cold compresses. Place a warm compress for the first few minutes on your face, then apply a cold compress (crushed ice in cloth). Consider repeating this as often as possible throughout the day.
• Improve your nutrition: Develop menus lower in calories and packed with nutrients. Foods rich in vitamin C and calcium, including broccoli, citrus fruits, cherries, kale and kiwis should be a part of your diet.
• Use specific dental care products: Now you can find toothpaste and mouthwashes designed specifically for gum care.
• Quit tobacco and alcohol consumption: Avoid irritants like alcohol and tobacco.
• Go for regular dental visits: Schedule a visit to your dentist for tartar (plaque) removal and gum health.

Can gum swelling go away?

Yes! Gum swelling and pain can improve with the right treatment and, in certain situations, can get better on its own. For instance, if you have a piece of food caught in your gum, the swelling will improve as soon as you remove the food particle. If gum disease is the reason for the swelling, treatment will likely be required. Either way, the sooner you treat gum disease, the better are your chances of long term oral health.

When should I call a healthcare provider?

If gum swelling lasts longer than a couple of weeks, you need to contact your dentist or periodontist. Regardless of the cause, quick treatment can avoid other issues down the road.

If you develop severe pain that is not relieved with medication, call your dentist right away.

Conclusion

Swollen gums can be uncomfortable, painful and concerning, particularly if you have never had them before. Most times swollen and painful gums can be managed and treated by home care. However, it is always a good idea to seek professional care just to reassure that no serious issues are contributing to your gum swelling.

Always be sure to practise good oral hygiene, use fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay; good brushing and plaque control help prevent gum swelling. For further guidance and care for swollen gums, contact our clinic Emergency Dentists in London today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quickest way to get rid of swollen gums?

There are many ways to treat swollen gums, including brushing your teeth gently and flossing regularly. Unfortunately, none of these options are ever going to happen overnight, but you will be able to notice changes within a couple of weeks.

Why do I have swollen gums around teeth? 

If you notice swelling around just one tooth, then you could just have food stuck in your gums. For the most part, this type of minor gums inflammation and swelling should go away; just make sure to remove anything stuck by brushing and flossing.

Sometimes swelling is a sign of a dental abscess, however if untreated, it can spread to other neighbouring teeth or even parts of your body – including the bloodstream. When this happens, it can be life-threatening.

Is it normal to have swollen gums with braces?

When wearing braces, it becomes more complicated to brush and floss your teeth properly. If you are not brushing and flossing well, plaque can build up on the brackets and wires, causing red, swollen and bleeding gums. You can avoid this with diligent brushing and flossing every day. You can also talk to your dentist about specific products like floss threaders, dental picks and interproximal brushes.

How to reduce swollen gums with braces overnight?

Swollen sore gums may occur from braces, since food and bacteria get trapped between your teeth and gums, leading to inflamed gum between teeth. Brushing well, using dental picks, and flossing can eliminate this. If you are still having swollen gums, please consult your dentist.

Do your gums swell when wisdom teeth come in?

Wisdom teeth can definitely cause swollen gums and discomfort. You can avoid this by making sure to keep the area clean, which means very gently brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

What to eat when your gums are swollen?

If you have swollen gums, try to eat softer foods so they do not irritate or put pressure on your already tender gums.