Swollen Gums: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling, is that condition whereby the tissue surrounding the teeth becomes inflamed. This condition can affect either one or more areas of the gums and causes a range of symptoms including discomfort and pain plus redness or bleeding.
What is it?
Swollen gums usually indicate an underlying condition. Often, they are caused by irritation of the gum tissue from poor oral hygiene, infections, or gum disease. Inflammation can occur at any point within the gums but is most visible around the teeth where food particles and plaque accumulate.
Causes of Swollen Gums:
Several conditions cause swollen gums, among them:
- Gingivitis: The most common cause is usually due to plaque buildup.
- Infections: Bacterial and viral infections causing abscess
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Failure to brush and floss regularly leads to plaque formation with irritation
- Hormonal Shifts: Due to pregnancy or menstruation cycle shifts, menopause
- Vitamins Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, especially C
- Medicational Overdose : Some drugs lead to swelling of gum, such as phenytoin or even calcium channel blockers
Types of Swollen Gums
These swollen gums appear and affect the mouth on different levels;
- Mild Swelling: May appear red or painful but does not bleed excessively.
- Severe Swelling: Tends to have a condition associated with bleeding, pain and sometimes localized abscess and pus. Conditions such as periodontitis can develop and result in severe damage
Before and After Swollen Gums
Medical treatments
At Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad, effective treatment is available for swollen gums as well as the underlying conditions.
Tooth Scaling & Polishing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing further gum irritation and disease.
Root Planing: This procedure involves scraping the roots of the teeth to eliminate deeply embedded plaque and tartar.
Antibiotics: If infection is present, antibiotics help control and treat bacteria.
Incision & Drainage: For abscesses, draining the infection alleviates pain and prevents further complications.
Root canal: The procedure where the infected pulp inside the tooth is removed for the deep-root infections.
Tooth Extraction:The tooth has to be extracted if the disease cannot be managed and spreads from the affected portion.
To have an individualized plan regarding the treatment, get your gums treated at the finest clinic in the world by Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic.
Why Choose Dr. Gowd's Dental Clinic?
Suffering from swollen gums?
Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad can help you get relief with expert treatments. Book your appointment today!
Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed on 28/01/2025
Book an Appointment
Meet Our Expert Doctors
Leaders in dental care and innovation.
Prof. Dr. M.S. Gowd
Founder & Director, Dr. Gowd’s Dental Hospital
Prof. Dr. Snigdha Gowd
Chairman & CEO, Dr. Gowd’s Dental Hospital
Prof. Dr. T. Shankar
Founder Member & Director, School of Dental Implants
Read our Blogs
Stay informed with tips, insights, and the latest trends in dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most common question that raised in patients
How to reduce swollen gums at home?
Saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and good oral hygiene can reduce swelling and soothe gum irritation.
When should I see a dentist for swollen gums?
If swelling persists for more than a few days or worsens with pain, it’s time to consult a dentist.
Can pregnancy cause swollen gums?
Yes, the hormonal changes in pregnancy make gums more sensitive, leading to swelling and bleeding.
Is swollen gum a sign of gum disease?
Swollen gums can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis, which are early stages of gum disease. Proper care is essential to prevent further damage.
What treatments do dentists offer for swollen gums?
Dentists may use deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgical treatment if the swelling is due to infections or gum diseases.
What can I do to avoid swollen gums in the future?
The most important thing for avoiding gum issues is regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Antibacterial mouthwash also prevents the deposition of plaque.
Dr. Gowds Dental Clinic Gachibowli Hyderabad
Survey no. 59, Plot No: 25, Fantasy Square, T9/T8, 3rd Floor, 1 & 2 I, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032
Phone Number: 08065295030