Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Swollen gums are one of the most common dental complaints and almost always signal that something needs attention. Healthy gums should be firm, pink, and fit snugly around each tooth. When gums become red, puffy, or tender, it usually means inflammation is present — and inflammation is your body's way of telling you there is a problem.
Gum swelling can range from mild puffiness that you only notice when brushing to severe inflammation that makes eating uncomfortable. At Redwater Dental Clinic, we take gum health seriously because untreated inflammation is the starting point for gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that most causes of swollen gums are treatable, especially when caught early.
Common Causes
Several factors can cause your gums to become swollen or inflamed. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. It is the most common reason for swollen gums and is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. If you are also noticing blood when you brush, visit our bleeding gums page for more information.
- Infection or abscess: A bacterial infection in the tooth or gum tissue can cause localized swelling, pain, and sometimes a visible bump on the gum. Abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause can all increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to swelling. Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 75% of pregnant women.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, and anti-seizure medications, can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia) as a side effect.
- Poor nutrition: Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) and other nutritional deficiencies can weaken gum tissue and cause swelling, bleeding, and slow healing.
- Ill-fitting dental appliances: Dentures, retainers, or orthodontic appliances that do not fit properly can irritate the gum tissue and cause chronic swelling.
- Food impaction: Food particles trapped between teeth or under the gumline can cause localized inflammation and discomfort.
When to See a Dentist
While occasional minor gum puffiness can sometimes resolve on its own, you should schedule an appointment at Redwater Dental Clinic if you experience:
- Gum swelling that lasts more than two weeks
- Swelling accompanied by pain, bleeding, or pus
- Difficulty eating or speaking due to gum inflammation
- Fever or swelling that spreads to your face or jaw
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that does not improve with brushing
If you have facial swelling or a fever along with gum inflammation, this could indicate a serious infection. Call 780-942-4691 immediately or visit our emergency dental services for urgent care.
Treating Swollen Gums
Treatment at Redwater Dental Clinic starts with a thorough examination and possibly X-rays to determine the cause of your swelling. From there, our approach is tailored to your specific situation.
- Professional teeth cleaning: If gingivitis is the cause, a professional teeth cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that are triggering the inflammation. For more advanced gum disease, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) may be recommended.
- Infection treatment: Abscesses and infections are treated by draining the infection, prescribing antibiotics if needed, and addressing the underlying cause such as a damaged tooth or deep periodontal pocket.
- Medication review: If a medication is causing gum overgrowth, we can coordinate with your physician to explore alternatives while managing your gum health.
- Improved home care: We will review your brushing and flossing technique and recommend products such as an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help control bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Regular maintenance: Patients prone to gum inflammation benefit from more frequent cleanings — typically every three to four months instead of the standard six months.
Left untreated, swollen gums can progress to periodontitis, which causes irreversible bone loss and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Early intervention is always the best approach. Contact us at 780-942-4691 to schedule your appointment.
