Yes, swollen gums can go away with proper treatment. In some cases, swelling can even get better on its own. For example, if you have a piece of food stuck in your gums, swelling should go away once you remove the food particle. But if gum disease causes swollen gums, you'll probably need treatment.
Swollen gums are typically not a cause for concern as the issue is quite common. However, if the condition persists for longer than one to two days, it could signal an issue like gingivitis, periodontitis, or an abscessed tooth.
The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so.
A gum that's swollen in one area could be because of an oral hygiene issue, or it could indicate an abscess or gum disease.
One of the primary symptoms is that gums will be red and swollen. They will also be tender to the touch. While gingivitis may result in some minor swelling or darkening of the color of the gums, an infection will result in even more swelling and deeper redness. Bleeding gums is another sign of infection.
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. The name for inflammation of the gum tissues is gingivitis.
#1: Saltwater Rinse
Salt is known to be a natural disinfectant. Rinsing with salt water can reduce inflammation and relieve the pain. Easy to apply and affordable, the saltwater rinse can be a temporary relief, and you can use lukewarm trice a day.
Chronic inflammation of the gums and the presence of bacteria can cause systemic inflammation. Untreated gum disease can also increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum. An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Gum Disease
When people don't practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria in the mouth forms plaque on the teeth. These bacteria may cause your gums to become inflamed, which results in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. For many people with gingivitis, this inflammation is not painful.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
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.
Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented.
Gingiva become inflamed (gingivitis).
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth, causing inflammation. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Tooth decay (dental caries) also may result.
Swollen gums are a common issue, and in most cases, they are not a cause for concern. However, swollen gums that last for longer than 1–2 days may be a sign of an underlying issue such as gingivitis,periodontitis, or a tooth abscess.
What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.
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.
You can try pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. You can find these at your local drug store. For more effectiveness, you can combine the painkillers with other home treatments.
Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.
Consider using a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean that can reach and neutralize the plaque found around the gum line and help treat gum issues before they start.
Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps with gum disease in a few ways: It removes loose debris and cleans the teeth and gums. Reduces inflammation and swelling and soothes the gums. It helps to get rid of decay and plaques.