What are Swollen Gums?

Causes

Causes of swollen gums around a tooth include:

Poor dental hygiene

Sometimes food debris can get trapped between the tooth and the gum line. Flossing and brushing will usually remove this debris. If a person does not remove the debris, it can cause the gum tissue around the tooth to swell. Over time, this may lead to dental cavities and gum disease.

Periodontal disease

In the United States, periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, affects 46% of adults over the age of 30. It is caused by gum irritation and infection as a result of plaque accumulation that eventually turns into tartar. Periodontal disease occurs in two stages.

Gingivitis

• When a person suffers from gingivitis, their gums become swollen and inflamed.
• Other symptoms include:
  • redness and tenderness of the gums
  • bleeding gums
  • bad breath
• Gingivitis is reversible, but without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the later stage of periodontal disease, in which the gums break away or recede from the tooth. When this happens, an infection may damage the bone that supports the tooth, causing the tooth to loosen or even fall out.

A person with periodontitis will have the following symptoms besides those of gingivitis:

• teeth that appear longer due to gum recession
• teeth that seem more widely spaced
• loose or wobbly teeth
• pus between the gums and teeth
• a change in the way the teeth come together when biting
• a change in the fit of partial dentures

Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms in a tooth or its surrounding structures because of a bacterial infection.

There are two types of tooth abscess:

• Periapical abscesses usually occur due to tooth decay or fractures and affect the root of a tooth.
• Periodontal abscesses affect the gum tissue.

Both types can cause swelling of the gums and redness around a tooth.

Other symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• severe throbbing pain in the tooth or gum
• pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck
• pain that is worse when lying down
• a sensitive, discolored, or loose tooth
• redness and swelling of the face
• sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
• bad breath
• an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• If the tooth abscess is severe, a person may also experience:
• a fever
• a general feeling of unease
• difficulty opening your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• breathing problems

Diagnosis

A periodic gum exam done in the dental office measures the spaces between the gum and the teeth called "periodontal pockets", the amount of root exposed for each tooth called "gum recession" and other signs of bone loss.

Collectively, these measurements show the general health of the gums and problem areas.

Other indicators of gum problems include:

• the presence of bleeding with measurements
• redness of the gums
• swelling of the gums
• bad breath
• a persistent sore or lump that lasts over two weeks

A biopsy of the affected tissue is taken for diagnosis.

Treatment

The best dental treatment for swollen and sore gums is the removal of plaque and tartar buildup. Regular dental cleanings and other procedures such as scaling and root planing can stop gingivitis in its tracks and reverse the effects of gum disease.

If you have a more advanced form of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend continued treatment for the swollen and bleeding gums.

When to see a Doctor?

See the doctor as soon as possible if:

Prevention

To avoid facing the pain associated with swollen gums, you need to take the following steps to prevent this from happening.

Home Remedies

Salt water

A saltwater rinse can soothe inflamed gums and promote healing.

Instructions

• Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm water.
• Rinse your mouth with this saltwater solution for 30 seconds.
• Spit it out; do not swallow it.
• Do this 2-3 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Hot and cold compresses

Hot and cold compresses can relieve pain and swell in the gums.

Instructions

• After soaking a clean washcloth or towel in boiling water, wring out the excess water.
• Hold the warm cloth against your face - outside your mouth, not directly on the gums - for about 5 minutes.
• Wrap a bag of crushed ice in a clean washcloth or towel and hold it against your face for about 5 minutes.
• Repeat the hot/cold cycle 2 to 3 more times.
• Do this 2 to 3 times a day for the first two days after you find swollen gums.

Turmeric gel

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric gel may prevent dental plaque and gingivitis

Instructions

• After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with fresh water.
• Apply turmeric gel to your gums.
• Let the gel sit on your gums for about 10 minutes.
• Run soft water around your mouth to rinse off the gel.
• Spit it out, don't swallow it.
• Do this 2 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Hydrogen peroxide

Red, sore or swollen gums should thoroughly be rinsed with water and a hydrogen peroxide solution using a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide food solution.

Instructions

• Mix 3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Swirl the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
• Spit it out; do not swallow it.
• Do this 2-3 times a week until the swelling goes away.

Essential oils

Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and thyme oil are effective in preventing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the mouth.

Instructions

• Mix three drops of peppermint, thyme, or tea tree essential oil with 8 ounces of lukewarm water.
• Rinse your mouth by shaking the mixture for about 30 seconds.
• Spit it out; do not swallow it.
• Do this 2 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription gingivitis treatment to cure and prevent gingivitis.

Instructions

• Swish 2 teaspoons of aloe vera mouthwash
• Spit it out; do not swallow it.
• Do this 2 times a day for 10 days.