Swollen gums

Swollen gums are gums that:

• are red
• are inflamed
• may bleed easily

Swollen gums are often a sign of gum disease, which is very common in Australia — 3 in every 10 adults have moderate or severe gum disease.

If you have swollen gums, you might also notice:

• bleeding when brushing your teeth or eating
• bad breath
• a bad taste in your mouth
• your gums feel soft or spongy
• a toothache

Gum disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of swollen gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque — a sticky layer of germs that builds up on your teeth over time.

You have a higher chance of gum disease if:

• you have an immune condition
• you have diabetes
• someone in your family has gum disease

Lifestyle factors that can increase your chance of gum disease include:

• smoking or vaping
• using illicit drugs
• drinking alcohol regularly
• taking certain medications, especially if they cause you to have a dry mouth
• having poor oral hygiene
• having a diet high in added sugar
• frequent snacking

Other causes of swollen gums

Other possible causes of swollen gums include:

• hormonal changes, such as during puberty or pregnancy
• poorly fitting dentures
• dental injury
• tooth abscess

See your doctor or dentist if you have swollen gums that don't improve after a few days, or if there are any changes to your mouth or gums that you are worried about.

You should also see your doctor or dentist if you have swollen gums and other symptoms, such as:

• pain in your mouth when chewing
• white spots in your mouth
• sores or ulcers in your mouth that last longer than 2 weeks
• loose teeth

When to seek urgent care

Get emergency care if you have swelling of your gums that makes it hard for you to breathe, or if the swelling has occurred after a significant head injury.

Get emergency dental or medical treatment if you have swollen gums and:

• swelling of your face
• bleeding from your mouth that will not stop
• severe mouth pain that keeps you awake

Self-care at home

Swollen gums can often be managed at home with good oral hygiene. Here are some tips that may help:

• Brush your teeth twice daily — gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste can help.
• Use dental floss or dental ribbon to remove plaque from between your teeth.

Medicines for swollen gums

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. This is usually only needed if you:

• have an infection, such as an abscess (pus-filled cavity)
• need to have a dental procedure
• have a weakened immune system

Other treatment options

Saliva helps protect your teeth and gums by washing away food and bacteria. If you have a dry mouth, you can help increase your saliva production by:

• chewing sugar-free gum
• using a saliva substitute — ask your pharmacist or dentist what saliva substitute is right for you
• sipping water regularly throughout the day

Swollen gums can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and the tissues that support your teeth.

Swollen gums are often a sign of gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis affects the outer layers of your gums and is reversible (can get better). If it's not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced type of gum disease and can cause:

• receding gums (shrinking gums)
• loss of teeth
• a gum abscess
• an increased chance of premature birth (Opens in new tab) (your baby being born early), if you are pregnant

Having a healthy mouth, teeth and gums may lower your chance of chronic diseases, such as:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• lung conditions

Taking care of your mouth can help prevent swollen gums. Even if your gums are bleeding or inflamed, it's important to keep brushing and flossing your teeth each day. This will help to gradually remove the plaque and improve your symptoms.

You can also improve the health of your mouth by:

• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• avoiding sugary and fatty foods
• stopping smoking or vaping
• taking care of your dentures
• limiting your alcohol intake

Fluoride makes your teeth stronger and can lower the chance of gum disease. If your local drinking water does not have fluoride, your dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment that can be applied directly to your teeth.

It's important to have dental check-ups every 6 to 12 months, even if you don't have any symptoms. Regular check-ups help detect any changes in your mouth early.

The teeth.org.au (Opens in new tab) page offers information on various topics including:

• brushing your teeth (Opens in new tab)
• tooth erosion (Opens in new tab)
• fluoride (Opens in new tab)

Languages other than English

The Health Translations (Opens in new tab) page has a fact sheet on gum disease (Opens in new tab) in multiple languages.

If English is not your preferred language, the teeth.org.au (Opens in new tab) website has resources in languages other than English (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The teeth.org.au (Opens in new tab) website offers resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including information on:

• visiting the dentist (Opens in new tab)
• healthy drink choices for your teeth (Opens in new tab)

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.