Have your gums started to puff up, feel sore, or bleed when you brush? It might seem like a small issue now, but swollen gums can be your mouth’s way of waving a red flag. Whether it’s a one-off irritation or the early sign of something more serious, gum swelling shouldn’t be ignored. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of swollen gums, the symptoms to look for, and when it’s time to see your dentist—before a minor problem turns into something more painful.
What Causes Gums to Swell in the First Place?
There are lots of possible reasons your gums might swell up. Sometimes it’s something simple, like brushing too hard or getting a bit of food stuck. Other times, it could be linked to something more serious like gum disease or an infection.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s often caused by plaque build-up from poor brushing or flossing habits.
- Periodontitis – A more advanced form of gum disease that affects the deeper layers supporting your teeth.
- Food stuck between teeth – Trapped particles can irritate the gums and cause local swelling.
- Tooth infection or abscess – This can lead to swelling, pus, and quite a bit of pain.
- Hormonal changes – Especially during pregnancy, puberty, or menstruation.
- Vitamin C deficiency – Rare, but it can cause swollen and bleeding gums.
- Dentures or braces that don’t fit properly
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Certain medications – Some can cause gums to swell or overgrow.
What Other Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
Swollen gums often come with other signs that something isn’t quite right in your mouth. Keep an eye out for:
- Red, puffy, or shiny-looking gums
- Tenderness when brushing or chewing
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath (even after brushing)
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums or gaps appearing between your teeth
- Pus or visible lumps on the gum
When Is It Time to See a Dentist?
Some mild gum swelling can go away on its own, especially if it’s caused by irritation. But if the swelling sticks around or gets worse, it’s time to act.
Make a dental appointment if:
- Your gums are swollen for more than 2 days
- You feel severe pain or discomfort
- You notice pus or a visible abscess
- Your gums bleed heavily when you brush
- You have a fever or swollen glands
- You’re struggling to eat or speak properly
- You’ve had gum problems in the past
What’s the Connection Between Gum Swelling and Gum Disease?
A lot of the time, swollen gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. Here’s how it usually progresses:
- Gingivitis – Gums become red, swollen and may bleed. This stage is reversible with proper care.
- Early periodontitis – Infection begins to spread under the gumline. You might notice bad breath and some tooth movement.
- Advanced periodontitis – Bone loss around the teeth, possible tooth loss, and more severe symptoms.
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth either—it’s been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. That’s why catching it early matters.
What Might Be Making It Worse?
Your lifestyle and general health can also affect how your gums respond to bacteria or irritation. You may be more likely to get swollen gums if you:
- Smoke or vape regularly
- Have uncontrolled diabetes
- Eat a diet low in vitamins and nutrients
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are under high stress
- Take certain medications (such as blood pressure tablets)
- Have dry mouth from medication or medical conditions
What Do Dentists Look for When You Have Swollen Gums?
When you visit the dentist, they’ll look at a few things to figure out the cause:
- Whether the swelling is around one tooth or throughout your whole mouth
- The colour and shape of the gum tissue
- Whether there’s bleeding, pus, or signs of infection
- Your medical and dental history
- If there’s plaque, tartar or a damaged filling nearby
They may also take X-rays to check if the swelling is linked to a tooth or bone issue.
Comparing Causes and Symptoms
Causes vs Symptoms
| Cause | Typical Symptoms |
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums; bleeding when brushing |
| Periodontitis | Gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth |
| Dental abscess | Throbbing pain, pus, visible swelling |
| Vitamin C deficiency | Bleeding gums, fatigue |
| Hormonal changes | Puffy gums during menstruation or pregnancy |
| Food particles stuck | Swelling near one tooth |
| Denture or braces issues | Gum soreness or irritation |
How Are Swollen Gums Treated?
Treatment will depend on what’s causing the swelling. Your dentist may suggest:
- A professional clean to remove plaque or tartar
- A deep clean (scaling and root planing) for gum disease
- Antibiotics if an infection is present
- Adjustments to dental appliances if they’re irritating the gums
- Surgical treatment for advanced gum disease or abscesses
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Dental Treatments vs At-Home Care (Temporary)
| Professional Dental Care | Temporary At-Home Tips |
| Dental cleaning and exams | Rinse with lukewarm saltwater |
| Scaling and root planing | Use a soft-bristled toothbrush |
| Prescribed antibiotics | Brush gently and avoid irritants |
| X-rays and diagnosis | Stay hydrated to support gum health |
| Extractions or gum surgery | Book early to avoid worsening symptoms |
Remember: Home care is not a substitute for seeing your dentist—it only offers short-term comfort.
How Albany Creek Dental Can Help
At Albany Creek Dental, we know that something like swollen gums can be uncomfortable, stressful, and sometimes even scary. Our friendly team is here to help with gentle, thorough dental care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of gum disease, a dental infection, or you’re simply unsure what’s going on—we’ll listen, assess, and guide you through the right treatment plan.
If your gums are sore, puffy or bleeding—don’t wait. Book an appointment today and let’s keep your smile healthy from the roots up.
Important FAQs
Q1: Why do my gums swell up when I brush or floss?
This is often a sign of plaque build-up or early gum disease. Gentle, regular brushing is important—but if you notice bleeding or swelling, see your dentist.
Q2: Can swollen gums go away on their own?
Sometimes they can, especially if the cause is mild irritation. But if swelling lasts more than two days or keeps coming back, it’s best to get checked.
Q3: Is it normal for gums to swell during pregnancy?
Yes, hormonal changes can cause gums to become more sensitive and swollen. It’s still important to have a dental check-up to make sure nothing else is going on.
Q4: Are swollen gums a sign of infection?
They can be. Especially if there’s pain, pus, or a foul taste. These symptoms may point to an abscess or infection needing treatment.
Q5: Can children have swollen gums too?
Yes, children can experience gum swelling from teething, poor brushing, or even vitamin deficiencies. A dentist near you can help figure out what’s causing it.
Q6: Should I stop brushing if my gums are swollen?
No, but brush gently using a soft toothbrush. Avoiding brushing can make things worse. Book a visit so your dentist can check what’s going on.
References
- Australian Dental Association – Gum Disease
- Healthdirect Australia – Gum Problems
- Better Health Channel – Dental Care for Adults
- Oral Health CRC – Understanding Periodontitis