What Causes Gum Swelling?
Gum swelling occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the teeth becomes inflamed. There are several common causes, and not all swelling indicates serious disease. A professional examination is the most reliable way to identify the specific cause.
Plaque Build-Up Along the Gumline
When plaque is not effectively removed through daily brushing, it accumulates along the gumline and can trigger an inflammatory response in the gum tissue, leading to swelling and tenderness.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. It is one of the most common reasons for generalised gum swelling.
Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis progresses, it may develop into periodontitis — a more advanced form of gum disease that can cause persistent swelling, deeper pocketing, and loss of supporting bone.
Food Trapping Between Teeth
When food debris becomes lodged between teeth or beneath the gumline, it can cause localised irritation and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.
Irritation from Dental Appliances
Orthodontic braces, dentures, or other dental appliances may occasionally irritate the gum tissue, causing localised swelling or soreness. This is usually identified and managed during routine dental appointments.
When Swollen Gums May Indicate Infection
In some cases, gum swelling may be associated with an underlying dental infection. While this does not apply to all instances of swelling, it is helpful to be aware of the signs that may suggest infection is involved so that appropriate assessment can be arranged.
Localised Swelling Around a Tooth
Swelling concentrated around a single tooth may suggest an underlying issue such as a dental abscess or deep decay that has reached the nerve.
Associated Pain or Tenderness
While not all swelling is painful, persistent discomfort or throbbing around a swollen area may indicate that infection is present.
Pus Discharge
The presence of pus or a bad taste associated with a swollen area is a sign that infection may be involved and should be assessed promptly.
Fever or General Discomfort
If gum swelling is accompanied by feeling unwell or a raised temperature, this may suggest that the infection is more significant and professional assessment should be arranged.
Symptoms That May Accompany Swelling
Gum swelling may occur on its own, but it is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help your dentist identify the underlying cause:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that does not resolve with brushing
- Gum tenderness or soreness when touched
- Redness of the gum tissue
- Increased sensitivity around the affected area
Why Professional Assessment Is Important
The depth and nature of gum involvement cannot be fully assessed at home. Swelling may be visible on the surface, but underlying factors — such as the depth of periodontal pockets, the condition of tooth roots, or the presence of decay — require professional examination to evaluate properly.
During a dental assessment, your dentist or hygienist may carry out gum measurements (periodontal charting) to determine the extent of any inflammation. Dental imaging may also be used to assess bone levels, root health, and whether infection has developed beneath the gumline.
Identifying the cause of gum swelling at an early stage is valuable because it allows for targeted management and helps prevent the condition from progressing. Early gingivitis, for example, may respond well to professional cleaning and improved daily hygiene, while more advanced conditions benefit from structured periodontal care.
Professional Management Options
The management of swollen gums depends on the underlying cause identified during assessment. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and address the source of the problem. Your dental team may recommend one or more of the following:
Professional Scale and Polish
Thorough removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This aims to reduce the bacterial load contributing to gum inflammation.
Periodontal Cleaning
Where deeper pockets have formed, root surface debridement may be recommended to clean below the gumline and help stabilise gum attachment.
Treatment of Underlying Tooth Decay
If swelling is related to decay that has irritated the surrounding gum tissue, treating the decay with a filling or other restoration may help resolve the symptoms.
Root Canal Treatment
Where infection has reached the inner pulp of a tooth and is contributing to gum swelling, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove the infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
In severe cases where a tooth cannot be restored and is the source of ongoing infection and swelling, extraction may be recommended as a last resort to resolve the condition.
The approach taken will depend on your individual circumstances. Your dental team will discuss the findings from your assessment and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
Professional Evaluation for Swollen Gums
Persistent or painful gum swelling should be professionally evaluated to determine whether inflammation, infection, or another dental condition is responsible. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective management.
Our dental team provides comprehensive gum disease treatment including professional hygiene therapy and periodontal monitoring. We also offer general dentistry and hygiene services for routine assessment and preventive care. Where infection is suspected, root canal treatment may be recommended. If you are experiencing significant pain or swelling, our emergency dental assessment service is also available.
Assessment and treatment for swollen gums are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional dental review.
Can Swollen Gums Improve on Their Own?
Mild gum swelling caused by temporary irritation — such as food trapping or minor plaque build-up — may improve within a few days with careful brushing and interdental cleaning. In these cases, the inflammation is often superficial and responds to improved daily hygiene.
However, persistent swelling that continues for more than a week, or swelling that recurs regularly, often indicates an underlying issue that requires professional attention. Conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, or dental infection typically do not resolve fully without treatment.
If you are uncertain whether your gum swelling warrants professional assessment, it is generally advisable to book a dental appointment. Early evaluation allows for simpler management and helps prevent progression.
Preventing Gum Swelling
Maintaining good oral health habits is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of gum inflammation and swelling:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate
- Clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss to remove plaque and food debris from areas a toothbrush cannot reach
- Attend professional hygiene appointments at the frequency recommended by your dental team
- Attend routine dental check-ups to allow early identification of decay, gum disease, or other issues before they lead to swelling
- Seek prompt treatment for any tooth decay or sensitivity rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen
