Swollen Gums
Swollen gums range from a mildly puffy margin caused by plaque to a tense, painful swelling that signals infection. Working out which one you have determines how urgently you need to be seen.
Ready to book your appointment?
Send us your details and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
Localised swelling has a specific cause.
Generalised puffiness across the whole mouth usually points to plaque-related gingivitis. A swelling in one place almost always has a local cause — trapped food, a failing filling, a cracked tooth or an abscess.
We'll examine the area, take an X-ray where needed and treat the actual cause rather than just prescribing antibiotics and hoping.
How swollen gums present.
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01Puffy, shiny gum tissue
- 02Tenderness when brushing or eating
- 03A raised lump on the gum
- 04Pus or a salty taste
- 05Bleeding from the swollen area
- 06A tooth that feels raised when biting
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —Swelling has lasted more than a few days.
- —There's pus, a bad taste or throbbing pain.
- —One area is far worse than the rest.
- —You have a temperature or facial swelling.
In discomfort right now?
Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth are red flags. Contact us immediately, or attend A&E if breathing or swallowing is affected.
A plan, not a quick fix.
We identify the cause, drain any infection, clean the area thoroughly and fix whatever is trapping plaque — then review to make sure the tissue has fully settled.
