Swollen gums

Swollen gums is often due to an inflammation or infection of the gums. By detecting and treating it at an early stage, you can avoid more serious problems such as tooth loss or periodontitis.

"Swollen gums are a warning sign that should not be ignored. With the right treatment in time, we can often prevent the problem from getting worse."
- Erik, dentist at Dentme

What do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums are light pink, firm and fit tightly against the teeth. They do not bleed when brushing or flossing. When gums swell, they can become red, tender, bleed and sometimes cover more of the tooth than usual.

Are swollen gums dangerous?

The swelling itself is usually not dangerous, but it is a symptom that should be taken seriously. The most common cause of swelling is gingivitis. If left untreated, this can develop into periodontitis - a chronic inflammation that attacks the tooth's attachment to the jawbone. This is why it is important to act early.

When should you contact a dentist?

Book a visit if you experience any of the following:

- The swelling does not go away within a few days
- You have soreness, bleeding orbad taste in the mouth
- The gums recede or look altered
- You have bad breath that won't go away
- You havedenture or wisdom tooth that causes discomfort

Regular dental visits make it easier to detect the cause in time.

Common causes of swollen gums

1.Gingivitis (gingivitis)

This is the most common cause. Bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and lead to swelling, redness and bleeding. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene.

2. Plaque and tartar

If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums and increases the risk of inflammation.

3. poorly adapted dentures

A denture that rubs can cause local swelling. Adjusting the fit with a dentist usually solves the problem.

4. Lack of oral hygiene

Insufficient brushing and flossing allows bacteria to accumulate along the gum line.

5. Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency, in particular, can negatively affect gums and, in extreme cases, can lead to scurvy.

6. Wisdom teeth

When a wisdom tooth erupts, the gums around it can become inflamed (pericoronitis). Professional cleaning or extraction is often required.

7. trauma

Biting something hard or getting a blow to the mouth can cause temporary swelling.

How are swollen gums treated?

The treatment depends on the cause:

- Professional cleaning: Plaque and tartar are removed by a dental hygienist or dentist.

- Improved oral care: Brushing with a soft brush and daily flossing or interdental brush.

- Antibacterial mouthwash: Can be used temporarily on the recommendation of a dentist.

- Antibiotics: In case of clear infection, but only in combination with other treatment.

- Adjustment of prosthesis: If the swelling is caused by chafing.

- Treatment of wisdom teeth: May include cleaning, antibiotics or tooth extraction.

What can I do if my gums are swollen?

- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

- Use dental floss or interdental brush daily

- Rinse your mouth as recommended by your dentist

- Avoid smoking and reduce sugar intake

- Drink water regularly and avoid snacking

These measures can reduce swelling and prevent future inflammation.

Book a visit

If the swelling does not go away or if you feel unsure - book a visit to the dentist. As a member of Dentme, both emergency visits and preventive dental care are included for SEK 149 a month. We help you find the cause and provide the right treatment in time.

Frequently asked questions about swollen gums

Are swollen gums always a sign of inflammation?
In most cases, yes. It is often due to bacterial deposits along the gum line, but it can also be caused by dentures, trauma or hormonal changes.

How quickly does the swelling go down?
In mild inflammation, symptoms may subside within a few days. More severe inflammation often requires treatment.

What happens if I don't do anything about it?
There is a risk of the problem developing into gum disease or periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Can I treat it myself at home?
You can alleviate symptoms with good oral hygiene, but it's important to get a professional assessment if the symptoms don't go away.

Can swollen gums be caused by wisdom teeth?
Yes, it is common. The swelling often occurs when the wisdom tooth does not fit or if bacteria gather around it.

Sources used by Dentme:

1177 Vårdguiden - Gingivitis (gingivitis)
https://www.1177.se/Stockholm/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tandkott/tandkottinflammation-gingivit/ 

1177 Vårdguiden - Tooth loss
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tander/tandlossning/

1177 Vårdguiden - Tartar
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tander/tandsten/ 

Dental Journal - Articles on gums and periodontitis
https://www.tandlakartidningen.se/taggar/parodontit/

National Board of Health and Welfare - National guidelines for adult dental care
https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/regler-och-riktlinjer/nationella-riktlinjer/tandvard/ 

NHS UK - Gum problems

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Gum Disease Facts
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-gum-disease.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html

World Health Organization (WHO) - Oral Health
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health

World Health Organization (WHO) - ICD-10 K05 Gingivitis and periodontal diseases
https://icd.who.int/browse10/2019/en#/K05

CDC - Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html

CDC - Pregnancy and Oral Health Facts https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-pregnancy-and-oral-health.html

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office - Association between gingivitis severity and lifestyle habits https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-24-2018/volume-24-issue-6/association-between-gingivitis-severity-and-lifestyle-habits-in-young-saudi-arabian-males.html