Swollen gums are often a sign of gingivitis or other types of gum disease. They can also point to other health issues. These include infections, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal changes. The right treatment depends on the cause.
Gum swelling is common, but it is not always minor. Many people develop swollen and painful gums for reasons beyond gum disease. In some cases, the swelling is temporary. In others, it can become a long-term problem if left untreated.
You may notice gum swelling and pain along with changes in color. Swollen gums often appear red or purplish due to increased blood flow. They may appear smooth or shiny. Bleeding is also common, especially while brushing or flossing.
Common Causes of Swollen and Painful Gums
Dental Causes
Many dental problems can lead to painful, swollen gums:
- Food stuck under the gums, such as a popcorn hull
- Tooth abscess or infection
- Gingivitis, which is early gum disease
- Periodontitis, which is advanced gum disease
- Trench mouth, a severe form of gum infection
- Gingivostomatitis caused by bacteria or viruses
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Orthodontic treatment, like braces
- Tooth decay
- Infected tooth or root fracture
Other Health-Related Causes
Some medical conditions can also cause gum swelling:
- Side effects from certain medications
- Viral infections such as oral herpes or HIV
- Fungal infections like thrush
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Vitamin C deficiency, including scurvy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking or use of tobacco products
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
- Blood-related cancers such as leukemia
What Causes Jaw Pain Along With Swollen Gums?
- Tooth abscess: A deep tooth infection can cause severe pain, gum swelling, and a pus-filled bump. The infection may spread, leading to jaw pain or a swollen jaw.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis causes swollen and bleeding gums. If it progresses to periodontitis, the infection can affect the bone and trigger jaw pain.
- Tooth decay or cracked tooth: Deep decay or cracks expose the nerve. This can cause gum pain that spreads to the jaw.
Other Possible Causes
- TMJ disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can cause pain and tenderness that feel like they come from the gums or jaw.
- Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding puts pressure on the jaw muscles. This can lead to ongoing jaw pain and tension.
- Sinus infections: Sinus swelling near the upper back teeth can cause pain in the upper jaw and make the gums feel sore.
- Infections and swollen lymph nodes: Dental or ear infections can cause lymph nodes under the jaw to swell. This creates pressure, leading to swollen gums and pain.
When Swollen Gums and Jaw Pain Become Serious
Swollen gums and jaw pain are not always minor. They become serious when the symptoms do not improve or start to worsen. This often indicates an infection or advanced dental problems that require urgent care.
Mild gum swelling from food stuck between teeth may clear on its own. But if swollen gums and pain last longer than 2 weeks or keep worsening, it may signal a deeper issue. This includes infections, advanced gum disease, or impacted teeth. If left untreated, these problems can spread and cause bone loss or facial swelling.
When to See a Dentist Urgently
Seek immediate care if you notice any of the following signs:
- Intense or throbbing gum pain or tooth pain
- Fever or chills
- Facial swelling, redness, or a swollen jaw
- Pus, bad breath, or a foul or salty taste
- Trouble opening your mouth or swallowing
- Pain that worsens when lying down
Home Care Tips for Mild Gum Swelling and Pain
Mild gum swelling and pain can sometimes be managed at home. These steps can help reduce irritation and prevent symptoms from getting worse. If swollen gums do not improve, a dental visit is important.
Simple Home Care Tips for Swollen Gums
- Brush and floss daily: Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Many cases of swollen and painful gums are linked to gingivitis. Good oral hygiene helps reduce inflammation.
- Check your oral care products: Some toothpastes or mouthwashes can irritate gums. If you notice more gum pain after brushing, try switching to a gentler product.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and other tobacco use can worsen gum swelling and slow healing.
- Limit alcohol intake: Alcohol can irritate the gums and increase swollen gums and pain.
- Eat a balanced diet: Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Proper nutrition supports gum health and reduces inflammation.
- Avoid foods that get stuck: Popcorn can lodge under the gums and cause painful, swollen gums.
- Cut back on sugar: Avoid sugary drinks and foods. Sugar feeds bacteria that cause gum swelling and pain.
How Dentists Diagnose Swollen Gums and Jaw Pain
Dentists diagnose swollen gums and jaw pain by combining a careful exam with imaging. The goal is to find the exact cause and plan the right treatment.
Clinical Examination and Medical History
- Symptom review: The dentist asks about gum pain, jaw pain, and how long the swelling has lasted. They check if pain worsens with pressure or chewing.
- Medical history: Questions may include diabetes, smoking, medications, or recent illness. These can affect gum swelling and pain.
- Visual exam: The dentist looks for redness, swelling, bleeding, plaque buildup, and receding gums. This helps spot the causes of swollen, painful gums.
- Gum probing: A small probe measures the depth of a gum pocket. Healthy gums are usually 1 to 3 mm. Deeper pockets may point to gum disease.
- Bite and tooth check: Teeth are checked for looseness, cracks, or infection that can cause swollen gums and jaw pain.
- Jaw joint evaluation: Simple tests check jaw movement, clicking, or tenderness. Limited opening or pain can suggest TMJ problems.
Diagnostic Imaging
- Dental X-rays: X-rays help detect bone loss, infections, or abscesses hidden below the gums or in the jaw. Here is a detailed guide on why are dental x-rays important.
- CT scans: Used when detailed views of the jawbone are needed, especially for complex jaw pain or spreading infection.
- MRI scans: These scans show soft tissues and the jaw joint disk. They are helpful when TMJ issues are suspected.
When to See a Dentist Immediately (Emergency Signs)
Emergency Signs
Go to an emergency dentist or ER right away if you notice:
- Fever with swelling: This may mean an infection is spreading beyond the gums or jaw.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing: Severe swelling of the jaw or throat can block the airway.
- Severe facial or neck swelling: Redness or swelling spreading across the face or neck is a serious warning sign.
- Uncontrolled bleeding: Heavy bleeding after injury or dental trauma needs immediate care.
- Jaw or facial trauma: A suspected broken jaw or serious mouth injury requires urgent treatment.
Urgent Signs
- Severe or throbbing pain: Ongoing gum pain or jaw pain, especially when biting or chewing.
- Bad taste or bad breath: A persistent foul taste can point to infection or abscess.
- Visible bumps on the gums: A pimple-like spot often indicates painful, swollen gums due to infection.
- Jaw clicking or locking: Trouble opening or closing the mouth may indicate problems with the jaw joint.
- Loose teeth: This can be a sign of deep infection or advanced gum disease.
How Lincolnwood Family Dental Can Help
At Lincolnwood Family Dental, we believe everyone deserves a healthy and confident smile. We provide complete dental care for patients of all ages. This includes routine visits and advanced treatments, all in one place.
If you are dealing with swollen or sore gums or jaw pain, our team focuses on identifying the cause and treating it early. Prompt care helps prevent serious problems, such as infection or tooth loss.
Our Dental Services Include
- Preventive dentistry
- General dentistry
- Emergency dentist services
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Dental implants
- Crowns and restorative care
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Veneers
- Invisalign treatment
- Dentures and partials
- Kids dentistry
Insurance and Payment Support
We work with you to help maximize your insurance benefits. Our team helps you understand your coverage and schedule care promptly. If you need additional support, we also offer CareCredit patient financing.
Dental PPO plans help cover part of your dental care. However, they may not cover every procedure. This often includes cosmetic treatments. We explain all options clearly so you can make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Swollen Gums Go Away on Their Own?
Yes, swollen gums can go away on their own if the cause is mild. This includes temporary irritation from food stuck between teeth or minor plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene often helps. However, if gum swelling and pain last more than a few days or worsen, it may indicate gum disease or infection and require dental care.
What causes swollen gums and pain most often?
The most common causes are plaque buildup, gingivitis, food trapped under gums, or infection. Poor oral hygiene often leads to swollen and painful gums.
Can swollen gums cause jaw pain?
Yes. Infections, abscesses, or advanced gum disease can spread, causing swollen gums and jaw pain.
How long should gum swelling last?
Mild gum swelling may improve within a few days. If it lasts one than 1 week or causes gum pain, see a dentist.
Are swollen gums always a dental emergency?
No. Mild swelling is common. But painful, swollen gums, fever, pus, or facial swelling need urgent dental care.
