Gum disease is the most common cause. But inflamed gums can point to other health conditions too, like diabetes, hormone changes and vitamin deficiencies. If you have swollen gums that last longer than two weeks, let your healthcare provider know. They can find the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. If plaque builds up on your gum line and teeth, over time it can become tartar (hardened plaque), which may lead to gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a more serious infection called periodontal diseases (gum disease).
A periodontal abscess looks like a boil or pimple on your gums. It's usually darker than other areas of your gum and looks swollen. The swelling can range from mild to severe.
Red or swollen gums
Healthy gums should be pink and firm to the touch, but in the early stages of unhealthy gums or a worse gum disease (known as gingivitis), they can become red, swollen or, even painful.
Gum disease is the most common cause. But inflamed gums can point to other health conditions too, like diabetes, hormone changes and vitamin deficiencies. If you have swollen gums that last longer than two weeks, let your healthcare provider know. They can find the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Generally, any swelling will subside shortly after the food debris is removed through flossing or brushing. Gingivitis: The initial state of gum disease, gingivitis can cause gum irritation and swelling.
Gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure. During this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue.
Gingivitis can cause dusky red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums.
In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults.
If you have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease, you'll likely notice inflamed, red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In this stage, the infection is still reversible. In contrast, periodontitis is a far more severe condition characterized by deep pockets that form in between teeth.
As long as you seek treatment and comply with your dentist's instructions, gingivitis will dramatically reduce within a few weeks.
While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
Healthy gums will appear pink, light pink, brown or black in color. They're firm and resilient; they don't move when you touch them and won't bleed when you floss or brush.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and chronic health conditions. There are four stages of gum disease: gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
If you aggressively brush your teeth, it can cause enamel to wear away, which can lead to gum recession too. Proper oral hygiene helps ensure your oral health stays at its best at all times.
If your gums are growing over your teeth or have a protruding bump, you may have a condition known as gingival hyperplasia. It can be a challenge to figure out the root cause of this problem and what to do about it on your own.
Get Regular Professional Cleanings
Seeing a hygienist or dentist for regular professional cleanings is one of the best ways to get rid of gingivitis for good. Dental professionals thoroughly clean your teeth to get rid of gingivitis-causing bacteria and plaque using dental instruments, an ultrasonic device.
Swollen gums are never normal or healthy. Swollen or inflamed gums often bleed and appear bright red in color due to an increased blood flow to the affected site. If you see red, puffy gums when you inspect your mouth, do not assume they will get better on their own.
However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so. However, if your sore gums are caused by gum disease – the gums will not heal until you treat the underlying gum disease at the root of the problem.