Health Encyclopedia

Gums - swollen

Definition

Swollen gums are abnormally enlarged, bulging, or protruding.

Alternative Names

Swollen gums; Gingival swelling; Bulbous gums; Inflamed gums; Enlarged gums

Considerations

Gum swelling is common. It may involve one or many of the triangle-shaped areas of gum between teeth. These sections are called papillae.

Occasionally, the gums swell enough to block the teeth completely.

Causes

Swollen gums may be caused by:

• Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
• Infection by a virus or fungus
• Malnutrition
• Poorly fitting dentures or other dental appliances
• Pregnancy
• Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash
• Scurvy
• Side effect of a medicine
• Food debris

Home Care

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

Avoid foods such as popcorn and chips that can lodge under the gums and cause swelling.

Avoid things that can irritate your gums such as mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco. Change your toothpaste brand and stop using mouthwashes if sensitivity to these dental products is causing your swollen gums.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly. See a periodontist or dentist at least every 6 months.

If your swollen gums are caused by a reaction to a drug, talk to your health care provider about changing the type of medicine you use. Never stop taking a medicine without first talking to your provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if changes to your gums last longer than 2 weeks.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• Do your gums bleed?
• How long has the problem been going on, and has it changed over time?
• How often do you brush your teeth and what kind of toothbrush do you use?
• Do you use any other oral care products?
• When was the last time you had a professional cleaning?
• Have there been any changes to your diet? Do you take vitamins?
• What medicines do you take?
• Have you changed your oral home care recently, such as type of toothpaste or mouthwash you use?
• Do you have any other symptoms such as breath odor, sore throat, or pain?

You may have blood tests such as a CBC (complete blood count) or blood differential.

Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to care for your teeth and gums.

References

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Ears, nose, and throat. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 13.

Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.

Pedigo RA. Oral medicine. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 56.

Review Date:1/24/2022
Reviewed By:Michael Kapner, DDS, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.