Why are my gums inflamed?

Why are my gums inflamed?

Cleveland Clinic says gum disease, starting as gingivitis, is the most common cause of swollen gums. Other causes include poor oral hygiene, dental plaque, braces or dentures that do not fit well, hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy or menopause, certain medicines, and medical conditions such as diabetes, oral infections, fungal or viral infections, and vitamin B or C deficiencies. The NHS says gums that are swollen, red and sore, or that bleed when you brush, floss or bite hard food, are signs of gum disease.

Why are my gums swollen around one tooth?

Cleveland Clinic lists an abscessed tooth, either a pocket of pus near the tooth or an infection in the tooth pulp, a crack that extends from the tooth into its root, and plaque or debris trapped near a tooth, such as food caught at the gumline. See our guides on gum pain in one spot and on swollen gums for more.

Why are my back or bottom gums swollen?

The sources we read do not address back or bottom gums specifically. Cleveland Clinic's separate page on pericoronitis, which we cite in our wisdom teeth guides, describes swelling next to a back tooth, usually a partly trapped wisdom tooth. Back gums are also harder to clean, which is general reasoning and flagged. A dentist can look at the area and X-ray it if needed.

What does gum disease look like?

Cleveland Clinic says early gingivitis often causes no obvious signs, and as it worsens it can cause persistent bad breath, gums that bleed easily, red and swollen gums, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and tenderness when chewing. The NHS says untreated it can cause bad breath, a bad taste, receding gums, loose or lost teeth, or a dental abscess. See our guide on what gingivitis looks like.

What can you do at home?

Cleveland Clinic suggests brushing and flossing daily, rinsing with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt to soothe the gums, an ice pack on the face a few times a day to reduce swelling, keeping up routine professional cleanings, and avoiding tobacco and other substances that irritate the gums while eating well to prevent vitamin deficiencies. The NHS advises brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily and not smoking. Cleveland Clinic says gingivitis is reversible with proper care but can come back.

When should you see a dentist?

Cleveland Clinic says to see a dentist for swelling that lasts more than two weeks or gets worse, a bump on the gums, very painful gums, or swelling that persists even with regular brushing and flossing, which may point to an underlying medical issue. The NHS says to see a dentist non-urgently for bleeding, painful or swollen gums or bad breath, and urgently for very sore or swollen gums, loose or falling-out teeth, ulcers or red patches in the mouth or a lump in the mouth or on the lip.

What will a dentist do?

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist or periodontist removes plaque, tartar and bacteria, with options including scaling and root planing, antimicrobial mouthwash and repair or removal of crowns, fillings or bridges that do not fit well. The NHS says more serious cases may need a deep clean below the gumline, antibiotics, tooth removal or gum surgery.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• What is causing my gums to be inflamed?
• Is it all my gums or one tooth, and does that change the diagnosis?
• Do I need a cleaning, X-rays or a referral?
• Could a medicine or medical condition be involved?
• What should I do at home, and when should I come back?

Frequently asked questions