Swollen Gums: Causes, Home Care and When to See a Dentist
Why gums swell, from plaque and gingivitis to braces and wisdom teeth, what you can do at home and warning signs that need a dentist.
Swollen gums can show up as puffy, red, shiny or tender tissue, sometimes with bleeding when you brush or floss. The cause is often something simple, like plaque buildup or a new brushing habit, but it can also point to gum disease, an infection, braces irritation or a wisdom tooth coming in. This guide explains the common causes, what you can safely do at home, and when swollen gums need a dentist.
Quick answer
- The most common cause of swollen gums is plaque-related gum inflammation (gingivitis).
- Gentle brushing, cleaning between teeth and warm salt-water rinses can help mild cases.
- Swelling with pain, pus, a bad taste, fever or a swollen face needs prompt dental or medical care.
- Gums that stay swollen for more than a week or two should be checked by a dentist.
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Common Causes of Swollen Gums
1. Gingivitis (Plaque Buildup)
When plaque stays along the gumline, the gums can become red, puffy and bleed easily. This early gum disease is usually reversible with better cleaning and a professional cleaning. See our guides on reversing gingivitis and plaque vs. tartar.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which may involve gum recession, pockets around the teeth, bad breath and loose teeth. This needs treatment by a dentist.
3. Swollen Gums Around One Tooth
Swelling around a single tooth can be caused by trapped food, a cavity, a cracked tooth or an infection such as an abscess. A pimple-like bump on the gum, pain when biting or a bad taste suggests a possible abscess and needs a dentist soon. Read about tooth abscess stages.
4. Swollen Gums Near a Wisdom Tooth
A partly erupted wisdom tooth can leave a flap of gum where bacteria and food collect, causing swelling, pain and a bad taste (a condition dentists call pericoronitis). It can also make it hard to open your mouth fully. A dentist can examine it and advise on treatment.
5. Braces or Orthodontic Appliances
Braces make it harder to clean along the gumline, so gums can swell and overgrow a little. Brackets, wires or bands can also rub. Careful cleaning, interdental brushes or a water flosser, and regular dental visits help. See our guides on water flossers and poking wires from braces.
6. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, puberty and some hormone changes can make gums more sensitive to plaque, leading to swelling and bleeding.
7. Irritation, Injury or Allergic Reactions
Hard brushing, sharp foods, mouth burns, ill-fitting dental work, or reactions to a toothpaste, mouthwash or other product can irritate the gums.
8. Medications and Health Conditions
Some medications and health conditions, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and certain medicines, can affect the gums. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own, talk to your doctor or dentist.
What You Can Do at Home
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Bleeding often settles after a few days of gentle, consistent cleaning if plaque is the cause.
- Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day. A common mix is about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Do not swallow it.
- Avoid irritants: tobacco, very hot or spicy foods, and harsh or alcohol-heavy mouthwashes while the gums are sore.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek if the area is sore.
- Choose a gentle toothpaste. See our picks for the best toothpaste for gingivitis.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Over-the-counter pain relievers should be used only as directed on the label and as your doctor or pharmacist advises. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums, which can burn the tissue.
When to See a Dentist Soon
- Swelling lasts more than a week or two, or keeps coming back
- Gums bleed easily, look dark red or are pulling away from the teeth
- A lump or pimple-like bump on the gum, or pus
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Pain around a wisdom tooth or difficulty opening your mouth
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together
When It Is an Emergency
Seek urgent dental or medical care if swelling spreads to your face or neck, you have a fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling that is rapidly getting worse. These can be signs of a spreading infection. Read our guide on tooth infection warning signs.
How Dentists Treat Swollen Gums
- Professional cleaning (scaling) to remove plaque and tartar
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for gum disease
- Treating the source of a localized problem, such as a cavity, abscess or damaged filling
- Wisdom tooth care, which may include cleaning, medicines prescribed by the dentist or removal
- Advice on cleaning with braces and sometimes adjusting the appliance
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Get the bundle →Frequently Asked Questions
What causes swollen gums?
Most often plaque buildup causing gingivitis. Other causes include gum disease, an infection around one tooth, a wisdom tooth coming in, braces irritation, hormone changes and irritation or injury.
How can I treat swollen gums at home?
Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between your teeth daily, rinse with warm salt water and avoid irritants like tobacco. If it does not improve in a week or two, see a dentist.
How long do swollen gums take to heal?
Mild gum swelling from plaque often improves within several days to two weeks of good cleaning. If it persists, a dentist should check it.
Why are my gums swollen around one tooth?
It can be trapped food, a cavity, a cracked tooth or an abscess. If you have pain, a bump or pus, see a dentist promptly.
Why are my gums swollen with braces?
Braces make plaque harder to remove, which can inflame the gums. Thorough cleaning around the brackets and regular dental visits usually help.
Can swollen gums be serious?
Usually they are mild, but swelling with fever, a swollen face, trouble swallowing or breathing, or spreading redness needs urgent care.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. See your dentist for personal diagnosis and treatment.
Sources: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), gum disease and oral hygiene guidance; National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), periodontal disease information.
