Swollen Gums: Why Your Gums Hurt and How to Calm Them
Updated: 6 hours ago
Swollen gums are usually a sign of inflammation, most often caused by plaque buildup and early gum disease (gingivitis). Mild swelling often improves within a few days to two weeks once brushing and flossing are back on track.
Swelling that comes with pain, pus, fever or a puffy face is different. It can point to an infection that needs a dentist.
Below, our office explains what swollen gums look like, the most common causes, how to reduce gum swelling at home, and when it is time to call us.
What Do Swollen Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are pink, firm and fit snugly around each tooth. They do not hurt or bleed when you brush.
Inflamed gums look and feel different. You may notice gums that are:
Red or dark red instead of pink
Puffy, soft or shiny
Tender or sore to the touch
Bleeding when you brush or floss
Pulling away from the teeth
Swelling can affect the whole mouth or just one spot. Gums swollen all over usually point to a general cause, such as plaque or hormones. A swollen gum around one tooth more often has a local cause, such as trapped food or an infection. We cover both below.
Why Are My Gums Swollen? 9 Common Causes
Most of the time, something along the gum line is irritating the tissue. These are the most common causes, in line with guidance from the Cleveland Clinic.
1. Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)
Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria on teeth, collects at the gum line. Your gums react with redness, swelling and bleeding. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. Daily brushing and flossing, plus a professional cleaning, usually bring gums back to health. Left alone, it can progress. Our guide to the stages of gum disease explains how.
2. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar is rough and holds even more bacteria against the gums. You cannot brush or floss it away. Only a professional dental cleaning removes it. Until it is gone, the gums next to it tend to stay inflamed.
3. Food Stuck Under the Gum Line
A popcorn hull, seed or small food shard can slip under the gum. This often causes sudden swelling and soreness in one spot. Floss gently on both sides of the tooth, then rinse with warm water. Avoid toothpicks or sharp objects. If the piece won't come out, or the swelling doesn't settle within a few days, see a dentist. Read more about food trapped under your gums.
4. Tooth Infection or Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, either at the tip of a tooth root or in the gum itself. Common signs include:
Throbbing pain
A pimple-like bump on the gum
Pus or a bad taste in your mouth
Swelling that spreads to the cheek or face
An abscess does not go away without treatment, so see a dentist promptly. Learn more about mouth abscesses.
5. Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy
Puberty, pregnancy and menopause shift hormone levels. These shifts make gums more sensitive to plaque, so they swell and bleed more easily. Swelling during pregnancy is often called pregnancy gingivitis. The American Dental Association notes that preventive dental care can be performed during pregnancy, so keep your regular cleanings. See our tips on dental care during pregnancy.
6. Braces, Dentures and Dental Work
Brackets and wires create extra places for plaque to hide. Dentures that no longer fit can rub and press on the gums. A filling or crown with a rough or overhanging edge can also irritate the gum next to it. If swelling started after new dental work or a change in fit, let your dentist know.
7. Medical Conditions and Medications
Some health conditions make gums more prone to inflammation. These include diabetes, HIV and other conditions that affect the immune system, as well as viral and fungal infections in the mouth. Certain medications can also cause gum overgrowth, such as some seizure medications, calcium channel blockers (used for blood pressure) and immunosuppressants. If you think a medication is affecting your gums, talk to the doctor who prescribed it. As MedlinePlus advises, never stop a medication on your own.
8. Vitamin Deficiencies
Your gums need certain nutrients to stay healthy. Very low vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which is rare but causes swollen, bleeding gums. Low levels of B vitamins are also linked to gum swelling. A balanced diet usually covers both. Our list of foods for healthy gums is a good place to start.
9. Brushing Too Hard or a New Product
Scrubbing hard or using a hard-bristled brush can irritate the gums. Gums may also feel tender when you start flossing again after a long break, or after switching to a new toothpaste or mouthwash. This kind of irritation usually settles within a week or two. If it doesn't, stop the new product and check in with your dentist.
Swollen Gum Around One Tooth
When the swelling sits around a single tooth, the cause is usually local to that tooth. The most likely reasons are:
Trapped food pressing on the gum
An abscess at the root or in the gum
A cracked tooth or root, which lets bacteria reach the inner tooth and the gum around it
A wisdom tooth coming in. When gum tissue partly covers an erupting tooth, food and bacteria get trapped underneath. This infection is called pericoronitis.
A problem with a crown or filling, such as a loose edge or a gap where plaque collects
Swelling around one tooth is more likely to need a dental exam than mild swelling all over. A quick look, and sometimes an X-ray, shows what is going on. If the spot doesn't improve after a few days of gentle cleaning, book a visit.
Why Do My Gums Suddenly Hurt?
Sometimes gums hurt without much swelling at all. Sudden gum pain often has a simple cause:
A canker sore on the gums, a small, painful ulcer with a white or yellow center
A burn from hot coffee, soup or pizza
A small injury from a sharp chip, a hard crust or a toothpick
A new toothbrush or brushing harder than usual
Trapped food pressing on the gum
An early infection that has not yet caused visible swelling
Most minor burns, sores and scrapes heal on their own within one to two weeks. Pain that keeps building, or comes with swelling or a bad taste, deserves a dental check.
How to Reduce Gum Swelling at Home
For mild swelling from plaque or irritation, these steps help calm inflamed gums:
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Angle it toward the gum line and use gentle circles.
Floss once a day, sliding it gently below the gum line rather than snapping it down.
Rinse with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) a few times a day.
Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to ease pain and swelling.
Try an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria without stinging.
Drink plenty of water to keep saliva flowing.
Avoid tobacco, which slows gum healing.
Choose soft, nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt, eggs and cooked vegetables while your gums are sore.
Home care helps with gingivitis and minor irritation. It will not fix an abscess, a cracked tooth or advanced gum disease. Those need a dentist.
How Long Does It Take for Swollen Gums to Go Down?
Swelling from gingivitis or irritation usually improves within a few days to two weeks of good brushing and flossing. See a dentist if your swollen gums last longer than two weeks, get worse, or come with a bump on the gum or severe pain. Cleveland Clinic gives the same two-week guideline, since lasting swelling can signal an underlying problem.
Professional Treatment for Swollen Gums
The right treatment depends on the cause. Depending on what we find, our office may recommend:
A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gum line for gum disease
Antibiotics for a bacterial infection
Abscess treatment, such as draining the infection, a root canal or another procedure
Adjusting dentures or smoothing rough dental work that irritates the gum
A referral to your physician when a medical condition may be involved
Our approach is conservative and focused on preserving as much natural tooth and gum tissue as possible. Learn more about our gum disease treatment, or read the NIH overview of gum disease.
When Swollen Gums Are a Dental Emergency
Call a dentist right away if you notice:
Swelling that spreads to your face, cheek or jaw
Fever
Pus or a bad taste that won't go away
Severe, throbbing pain
If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For urgent care in Manhattan, contact us as your emergency dentist on the Upper East Side.
Swollen Gum Care in NYC at Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry & Smile Design
At our Upper East Side office on East 61st Street, Dr. Marc Lazare and our team treat swollen and painful gums every day. Care ranges from gentle cleanings to gum disease and infection treatment, always with a focus on keeping your natural teeth healthy. If your gum swelling has lasted more than two weeks, or comes with pain, we invite you to book an exam. We will find the cause and explain your options clearly.
Swollen Gums: FAQs
Can swollen gums heal on their own?
Mild swelling from irritation or early gingivitis often improves within days to two weeks with better brushing and flossing. Swelling from tartar, an abscess or a cracked tooth will not resolve without dental care. If it lasts longer than two weeks, see a dentist.
Why are my gums swollen but not painful?
Gingivitis is often painless, so swelling without pain is common. The gums may look red or puffy and bleed when you brush. No pain does not mean no problem. Early gum disease is easiest to reverse before it starts to hurt.
Should I keep brushing if my gums are swollen?
Yes. Keep brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure, and keep flossing. Removing plaque is what lets inflamed gums heal. Stopping lets plaque build up and usually makes the swelling worse.
Can stress cause swollen gums?
Stress alone is rarely the cause of swollen gums, but it can make gum problems more likely. The NIH lists stress among the factors linked to gum disease. Stress can also lead to skipped brushing or teeth clenching.
Can swollen gums be a sign of something serious?
Most cases come from plaque and are easy to treat. Swelling that lasts, keeps coming back, or appears with other symptoms can point to an infection, advanced gum disease or a medical condition such as diabetes. A dentist or physician can help find the cause.
How can I tell if a swollen gum is infected?
Signs of infection include throbbing pain, a pimple-like bump, pus, a bad taste, or swelling that spreads to your face. A fever is another warning sign. If you notice any of these, contact a dentist promptly rather than waiting it out.
