What are Swollen Gums?

Swollen gums are a common symptom of gum disease or gingivitis, where your gums become inflamed, often causing redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially when brushing, using dental floss, or eating. However, there can also be other culprits, such as infections, hormonal changes, or vitamin deficiencies. Depending on the cause of swollen gums, they can be temporary or permanent.

Causes of Swollen Gums

Swollen gums can happen for many reasons. Some causes are related to your teeth and gums, while others may be linked to your general health:

Plaque-related gum disease

Gingivitis (early gum disease), periodontitis (advanced gum disease), and trench mouth (severe gum infection) contribute to plaque build-up and gum irritation, resulting in redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Infections

Viral or bacterial infections can cause swollen gums and may occur together with other symptoms such as fever, ulcers, and general mouth discomfort.

Tooth-related problems

Infected tooth, tooth decay, and root fracture (crack under the gum) can irritate the tissue around your gums or cause infection, resulting in swollen gums.

Irritation or trauma

Food or objects getting stuck in your gums, orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners), and poorly fitting dentures can irritate your gums and cause swelling or sore spots.

Nutritional deficiencies

A diet that lacks vitamins B and C can increase the risk of gum inflammation, redness, bleeding, and delayed healing.

Medical Conditions

Certain diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia, can affect your immune function, thus increasing your risk for gum inflammation and infection.

Lifestyle

Smoking or tobacco use affects your gum health by increasing plaque build-up, which can cause inflammation.

Hormonal changes

Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly affect your hormone levels, which can make your gums sensitive to plaque, leading to swelling and bleeding.

Medication side effects

Some medications can have negative side effects, such as gum swelling or overgrowth, dry mouth, or increased risk of bleeding.

Symptoms of Swollen Gums

Swollen gums can look and feel different depending on the cause. You may notice mild changes in your gums, while others may experience more discomfort or unpleasant symptoms.

The following are the most common symptoms of swollen gums:

Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Bleeding when brushing or flossing, especially if you have gingivitis
Enlarged gums
Gums pulling away from the teeth
Gums that feel irritated or itchy
Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Pain when chewing
Pus or discharge near the gum line
Redness or colour changes
Tenderness or soreness

If you have swollen gums that do not go away, even with proper oral hygiene, or are at higher risk for this condition, you can schedule a consultation at Oasis Dental Studio in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Pottsville. The dental team can help determine the root cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on your medical history and overall oral health.

Diagnosis and Tests

Swollen gums can have many causes that are related to your teeth, gums, and general health. To diagnose swollen gums and plan the most appropriate care, the dental team may use the following:

Medical and dental history review: During this process, you will be asked about your symptoms, oral hygiene routine, current medications, lifestyle, and any health conditions that may contribute to swollen gums.
Visual examination of your gums and teeth: The dentist will check your gums and teeth for any signs of swelling, bleeding, redness, irritation, infection, and any noticeable changes.
Plaque and tartar assessment: The dentist will assess your gums for any signs of plaque and tartar build-up, as this is a common cause of gum swelling.
Gum bleeding check: The dentist will examine whether your gums bleed easily, as this is often associated with gingivitis or gum disease.
Periodontal probing (gum pocket measurements): This involves using a measuring tool to check the space between your gums and teeth.
Dental X-rays: X-rays can help detect problems below your gum line, such as changes in your bone structure and the presence of impacted teeth or issues with tooth roots.
Examination of dental work and appliances: The dentist may also check crowns, fillings, dentures, and braces to see if they are causing gum irritation or plaque build-up.
Bite assessment: During this process, the dentist checks for uneven pressure and if your teeth make contact.

Once your assessment is complete, the dental team will explain what is causing your swollen gums and recommend the next steps based on your oral health and symptoms. In some cases, they may refer you to a medical professional for further assessment if the gum swelling does not match a clear dental cause. This may help detect other causes of swollen gums, such as nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions.

Management and Treatment

Your treatment plan will depend on what is causing your swollen gums. Dental professionals may use the following treatments depending on your specific needs:

Professional dental cleaning: This process is recommended if you have early-stage gum inflammation and involves the removal of plaque and tartar around your gum line.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): This is a form of deeper cleaning as it removes plaque and tartar from below your gum line.
Antibiotics (when appropriate): The dentist may prescribe antibiotics if your swollen gums are caused by bacterial infections.
Osseous surgery (gum surgery): This surgical procedure involves the removal of deep gum pockets around your teeth and is recommended for advanced cases of gum disease.
LANAP® (laser-assisted new attachment procedure): Depending on the severity of your gum disease, a laser treatment option may be used to reduce infection, remove diseased gum tissue, and support gum healing.
At-home care: This is often recommended alongside dental treatment and includes brushing, flossing, using prescribed mouthwash, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and certain types of food.
Root canal therapy: This treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside your tooth.
Tooth extraction: This is recommended when your tooth cannot be restored or if you have a severe tooth infection.
Drainage of an abscess (if present): The dentist may need to drain the abscess in your gums to reduce inflammation and treat the infection.
Adjusting dentures or dental appliances: Ill-fitting dentures or appliances can create friction, which rubs and irritates your gums.
Addressing the underlying cause: This includes addressing gum infections and vitamin deficiencies, managing diabetes, and reviewing medications that can contribute to gum swelling.

When to See a Dentist or Doctor?

If left untreated, swollen gums can progress to a more serious type of gum disease. You should seek urgent dental or medical care if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

A bad taste in your mouth
A loose tooth or a sudden change in your bite
A lump or boil on the gums
Bad breath that suddenly becomes strong or does not improve
Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
Mouth sores that are severe or do not heal
Pain when biting or chewing, especially around one tooth
Pus draining from your gums
Severe pain in your gums, teeth, or jaw
Severe swelling, facial swelling, or swelling around the eye
Swelling that spreads quickly
Swollen glands in your neck or under your jaw

During your consultation, a dental professional will assess the root cause of your symptoms and will create a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. If necessary, they may also refer you to another healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor or specialist, for further assessment and management of your gum or tooth condition.

Why Contact Oasis Dental Studio for Swollen Gums Issues

If you are concerned about swollen gums or if you are at higher risk for developing this condition, the dental team at Oasis Dental Studio in Gold Coast (Broadbeach, Palm Beach, Chirn Park, and Ferry Road), Brisbane (West End), Melbourne (Brighton), and Northern NSW (Pottsville) can help you understand what may be causing the issue and its related symptoms, along with the treatment and prevention options specific to your needs. During your consultation, the team will assess your medical history, lifestyle, diet, current medications, and other factors to determine what may be contributing to your inflamed gums. Based on these assessments, they will create a treatment plan that is suitable for you.

Our clinics are QIP-accredited, which means they are checked against set standards for safe and high-quality care. In addition, this means that the dental team focus on listening to patient concerns, supporting different needs, and improving overall patient care. Furthermore, the team works with Australian dental labs and uses premium materials to support consistent care across all locations.

If treatment is recommended, the dental team can talk you through the options that may suit you, such as professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), proper oral hygiene, antibiotics, laser treatment, root canal therapy, gum surgery, and treatments that address the underlying cause of swollen gums. They will discuss whether treatment may help reduce gum inflammation, improve comfort when doing daily activities, and support healthier gums over time. During this process, you will also have the chance to ask questions to understand what the treatment involves, including the costs, recovery, risks, and aftercare.

More ODS dental symptoms pages:

Medical references for Swollen Gums:

Swollen Gums : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention