Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling or gingival enlargement, refers to an inflammation or irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth. It is a common dental condition that can range in severity from mild swelling to pronounced bulge-like growths. Swollen gums can occur for a variety of reasons and generally go away once the underlying cause is treated. However, the duration of swollen gums depends on the cause and severity.
Causes of Swollen Gums
There are several potential causes of swollen gums:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial infection due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. Symptoms include swollen, red, tender gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with improved oral care.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease affecting the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It’s caused by untreated gingivitis that has progressed. The gums become inflamed and can swell significantly. Periodontitis leads to receding gums, formation of deep gum pockets around teeth, and eventual tooth loss if not treated.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase sensitivity and irritation in the gums, causing swelling and tenderness known as pregnancy gingivitis. This usually resolves after giving birth.
Medications
Some medications like anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants may cause swollen, overgrown gums as a side effect. This is called drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.
Vitamin C deficiency
A severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to swollen bleeding gums and loosening of the teeth. Eating more vitamin C-rich foods can help resolve this.
Mouth injuries
Injuries from foreign objects, cuts, or burns in the mouth can damage gum tissue and cause painful swelling. Canker sores or mouth ulcers may also lead to swollen gums near the sore.
Oral infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the mouth, such as herpes, can result in inflamed gums and swelling.
Leukemia
Leukemia, a blood cancer, may first become apparent as swollen, tender, bleeding gums.
Duration of Swollen Gums
How long swollen gums last depends on the underlying cause:
Gingivitis
With prompt treatment, gingivitis can be reversed in a few days to a couple weeks. Practicing good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and antiseptic mouthwash can eliminate plaque buildup and bacteria causing the inflammation.
Periodontitis
Treating periodontitis requires deep cleaning below the gumline by a dental professional as well as improved oral hygiene. Antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses may be prescribed. It can take a few months for the gums to heal and swelling to go down.
Pregnancy gingivitis
Hormone-induced pregnancy gingivitis usually resolves within a few weeks after delivery. Good oral hygiene helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the meantime.
Medication effects
Medication-related gingival hyperplasia develops gradually and may worsen over time. Switching medications, when possible, is the most effective way to reverse the gum overgrowth. With other treatments, improvement occurs slowly over several months as the excess gum tissue is removed.
Vitamin C deficiency
Increasing vitamin C intake through citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and supplements can help ease swollen bleeding gums in a week or two.
Mouth injuries
Swollen gums from mouth injuries generally resolve as the wound heals, within 1-2 weeks. Proper oral hygiene and rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash can speed healing.
Oral infections
Treating infections with antibiotics or antiviral medication helps reduce swollen gums caused by infections within 1-2 weeks in most cases.
Leukemia
Swollen gums due to leukemia may be one of the earliest signs of the disease. Seeking prompt treatment for leukemia can help manage oral symptoms.
Treatment for Swollen Gums
Treatments depend on the cause but generally aim to reduce inflammation and prevent further infection:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and antiseptic mouthwash
- Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
- Antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses to control gum infection
- Periodontal surgery to treat advanced gum disease
- Switching medications if drug-induced
- Increasing vitamin C intake if deficient
- Rinsing with salt water and using medicated ointments for mouth injuries
- Antiviral medication for oral infections
- Leukemia treatment for gums swollen due to blood cancer
See a dentist promptly if swelling persists longer than 1-2 weeks to rule out periodontitis. Severe, worsening, or recurrent cases of swollen gums should be evaluated to identify the underlying problem.
Preventing Swollen Gums
You can help prevent swollen gums by:
- Brushing thoroughly twice a day
- Flossing daily to remove plaque
- Getting regular professional cleanings and exams
- Not smoking
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Promptly treating any oral infections or injuries
Practicing excellent oral hygiene and getting routine dental care can stop gingivitis before it leads to more serious gum swelling and periodontitis.
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist right away if you have:
- Severely swollen, painful, bleeding gums
- Swelling lasting longer than 1-2 weeks
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath or foul taste that won’t go away
Prompt dental care is essential to treat any infections and prevent the progression of gum disease. Seek emergency care if you have facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, or excessive bleeding.
Conclusion
In summary, swollen gums usually clear up within 1-2 weeks with proper oral hygiene and treatment of the underlying cause. Gingivitis and vitamin deficiencies respond most quickly. Severe gum disease like periodontitis can take a few months to resolve swelling. Medication-induced gingival hyperplasia may require switching drugs and take longer to reverse. Prompt dental care is key to treating swollen gums before they worsen or lead to tooth loss.
| Cause | Duration |
|---|---|
| Gingivitis | 1-2 weeks |
| Periodontitis | A few months |
| Pregnancy gingivitis | A few weeks postpartum |
| Medications | Gradual improvement over months |
| Vitamin C deficiency | 1-2 weeks with supplementation |
| Mouth injuries | 1-2 weeks as injury heals |
| Oral infections | 1-2 weeks with treatment |
| Leukemia | Until leukemia treatment begins |