Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling or gingival hyperplasia, is a common condition that can occur for many reasons. The time it takes for swollen gums to heal can vary depending on the underlying cause.
What Causes Swollen Gums?
There are several potential causes of swollen gums:
- Gingivitis – inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup. This is the most common cause.
- Periodontitis – advanced gum disease that damages the tissues supporting the teeth.
- Pregnancy – hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase sensitivity and lead to swelling.
- Medications – some blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants are associated with gum swelling.
- Injury – trauma from rough brushing, dental work, or eating hard foods can directly irritate the gums.
- Infections – fungal, viral, and bacterial infections in the mouth may spread to the gums.
- Systemic diseases – conditions like leukemia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders are linked to swollen gums.
- Genetics – some people are predisposed to gum swelling due to inherited traits.
- Allergies – allergic reactions to substances like toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental materials can cause inflammation.
The most common cause of gum swelling is gingivitis. This occurs when plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, builds up on the teeth. The bacteria irritate the gums and trigger an inflammatory response. Swelling occurs as the tissues become inflamed.
How Long Does It Take for Swollen Gums to Heal?
The healing time for swollen gums depends on the severity and underlying cause:
- Mild gingivitis: With proper oral hygiene, mild cases of plaque-induced gingivitis can heal within a week.
- Moderate gingivitis: More extensive cases may take 2-3 weeks to resolve.
- Severe gingivitis/mild periodontitis: If deeper gum tissues are involved, healing can take from 1-3 months.
- Periodontitis: Advanced cases must be treated by a dentist or periodontist. With treatment, healing can take 3-12 months.
- Pregnancy gingivitis: Hormonally-influenced gum swelling in pregnancy should resolve within a few weeks after delivery.
- Medication-induced: After stopping the medication, swelling typically improves within a few weeks to months.
- Injuries: Traumatic irritation often resolves within 1-2 weeks once the source of irritation is removed.
- Infections: Swelling from mouth infections improves within days to weeks once the infection clears.
- Systemic diseases: Managing the underlying condition is key, healing times vary.
The most rapid healing is seen when swollen gums are caused by plaque buildup. Careful brushing and flossing can remove plaque and irritants. As bacteria are reduced, inflammation subsides and the gums return to health. More extensive cases caused by unchecked gingivitis, underlying conditions, or advanced periodontal disease may require professional treatment and take longer to resolve.
How to Treat Swollen Gums
Depending on the cause, different treatment approaches may help reduce gum swelling:
- Improve oral hygiene – brush twice daily, floss, use antiseptic mouthwash to control bacteria.
- Professional cleaning – see a dentist for plaque and tartar removal from teeth and gums.
- Massage – gently rub swollen gums to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Cold compress – apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to swollen areas to ease pain and swelling.
- Salt water rinse – rinse with warm salt water to draw out fluid and soothe irritated gums.
- Medications – over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.
- Antibiotics – if a bacterial infection is contributing to swelling, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Treat underlying issues – conditions like diabetes must be well controlled to support gum health.
- Periodontal treatment – dentists can provide deep cleanings, antibiotics, and surgery if gum disease is advanced.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for cleanings and checkups can help prevent recurrences of swollen gums. Controlling plaque is key to reducing gum irritation and allowing tissues to heal.
Home Remedies for Swollen Gums
There are also several home remedies that can provide relief for mildly swollen gums:
- Salt water rinse – Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water. Swish in mouth for 1 minute, 2-3 times daily.
- Aloe vera gel – Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to swollen gums for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Green tea bags – Soak a green tea bag in warm water, then press against sore gums for 5 minutes.
- Guava leaves – Boil guava leaves, let cool, then swish the water in your mouth to reduce swelling.
- Lemon – Rub a slice of lemon against swollen gums to relieve pain and draw out inflammation.
- Cloves – Apply ground clove powder and coconut oil to gums to numb pain and fight infection.
- Garlic – Crush raw garlic and rub it directly on affected gums to utilize its antimicrobial properties.
While home remedies can temporarily alleviate mild discomfort from swollen gums, they are not a substitute for professional treatment. Be sure to see a dentist if swelling persists beyond 1-2 weeks.
When to See a Dentist
You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience:
- Bleeding or severely swollen gums lasting over 2 weeks
- Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gum swelling that spreads or seems to get worse
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain or tenderness in your gums that makes eating uncomfortable
- Receding, pulling away, or change in gum color
- Any signs of infection like fever, fatigue, or lymph node swelling
Severe or worsening gum swelling should not be ignored. It may indicate an underlying dental health issue requiring professional treatment. The dentist can examine your mouth, diagnose what’s causing the swelling, and come up with a personalized treatment plan.
Preventing Swollen Gums
Practicing good oral hygiene is key to preventing swollen gums caused by gingivitis:
- Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day using proper technique.
- Floss once daily to remove debris between teeth.
- Get professional cleanings every 6 months.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or after illness.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Watch for plaque buildup and remove it promptly.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.
- Get treatment for any underlying medical conditions.
Attending to your oral health helps keep your gums healthy and prevent issues like swelling. Keep up with brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. See your dentist right away if you notice any abnormalities in your gums.
When to Expect Complete Healing
The timeline for swollen gums to completely heal depends on multiple factors:
- If mild gingivitis is the cause, swelling should go away within 1-2 weeks with proper oral hygiene.
- Moderate gingivitis takes around 2-3 weeks to resolve.
- Severe gingivitis with some periodontal involvement can take 1-3 months to heal.
- Medication-related gingival swelling may persist for weeks after stopping the medication.
- Swelling from traumatic injuries tends to improve within 1-2 weeks.
- Infections should subside within several days to a few weeks with treatment.
- Advanced periodontitis requires 3-12 months for the tissues to heal after treatment.
The more extensive the damage to the gums and supporting structures, the longer complete healing will take. Have your dentist evaluate any persistent swelling after a few weeks. Additional interventions may be needed to help resolve severe or chronic gum issues.
What Happens If Swollen Gums Are Left Untreated?
Swollen gums that are left untreated may lead to a number of problems:
- Worsening gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
- Plaque and tartar buildup under the gumline damages tissue and bone.
- Pockets form between the teeth and gums, becoming infected.
- The gums recede and detach from the teeth.
- Teeth may loosen or require extraction.
- Dental abscesses containing pus may develop.
- Tooth loss can occur as supporting bone is lost.
- Systemic health issues like heart disease have been linked to untreated gum disease.
Swollen gums are often the first sign of gingivitis. Left unchecked, inflammation and bacteria spread below the gumline into the roots and supporting structures. The gums recede, exposing more tooth surface to decay. Pockets that trap debris form and may abscess. Eventually, the teeth are undermined and may be lost. Treating gum swelling early is critical to prevent significant damage.
When Swelling Warrants Urgent Dental Care
Seek emergency dental treatment if swollen gums are accompanied by:
- Severe throbbing pain in the gums or teeth
- Swelling that is suddenly severe and spreading rapidly
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to gum swelling
- High fever, chills, fatigue, or other signs of infection
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop when pressure is applied
- Numbness, tingling, or pain radiating from the gums
- Painful swelling and laceration if trauma is the cause
Rapidly worsening gum swelling, especially when combined with pain or difficulty breathing/swallowing, may indicate a dental abscess or infection that requires urgent care. Seek emergency treatment day or night if you develop any of these severe symptoms associated with your swollen gums.
Swollen Gums in Children and Babies
Swollen gums can also affect children and babies. Typical causes include:
- Irritation during teething
- Thumb sucking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (virus)
- Canker sores
- Trauma from falls or dental injuries
- Congenital gingival hyperplasia, causing overgrown gums
For infants and children, swollen gums often heal within 1-2 weeks. Thumb sucking and teething irritations resolve once these habits stop. Providing proper oral hygiene and visiting a pediatric dentist helps treat and prevent recurrences. Seek prompt care if your child has swollen gums and fever, bleeding, or trouble eating.
Conclusion
In summary, mild to moderate cases of swollen gums caused by gingivitis generally resolve with good oral hygiene within 1-3 weeks. More severe gum swelling and periodontal disease may take several months of treatment to completely heal. Leaving swollen gums untreated can allow gum disease to progress, eventually damaging tooth-supporting bone and leading to tooth loss. Seek prompt dental care if swollen gums persist or become severely painful, bleed excessively, or impede eating. Attending promptly to gum swelling can prevent significant oral health problems.