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Gums - swollen
Swollen gums; Gingival swelling
Swollen gums are abnormally enlarged, bulging, or protruding.
Considerations
Gum swelling is common. It may involve one or many of the triangle-shaped areas of gum between teeth. These sections are called papillae.
Occasionally, the gums swell enough to block the teeth completely.
Causes
Swollen gums may be caused by:
- Inflamed gums ( gingivitis )
- Infection by a virus or fungus
- Malnutrition
- Poorly fitting dentures or other dental appliances
- Pregnancy
- Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash
-
Scurvy
Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia, gum d...
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Home Care
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Avoid things that can irritate your gums such as mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco. Change your toothpaste brand and stop using mouthwashes if sensitivity to these dental products is causing your swollen gums.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly. See a periodontist or dentist at least every 6 months.
If your swollen gums are caused by a reaction to a drug, talk to your health care provider about changing the type of medicine you use. Never stop taking a medicine without first talking to your provider.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if changes to your gums last longer than 2 weeks.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
-
Do your gums
bleed
?
Bleed
Bleeding is the loss of blood. Bleeding may be:Inside the body (internally) Outside the body (externally)Bleeding may occur:Inside the body when blo...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - How long has the problem been going on, and has it changed over time?
- How often do you brush your teeth and what kind of toothbrush do you use?
- Do you use any other oral care products?
- When was the last time you had a professional cleaning?
- Have there been any changes to your diet? Do you take vitamins?
- What medicines do you take?
- Have you changed your oral home care recently, such as type of toothpaste or mouthwash you use?
-
Do you have any other symptoms such as
breath odor
, sore throat, or pain?
Breath odor
Breath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant breath odor is commonly called bad breath.
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You may have blood tests such as such as a CBC (complete blood count) or blood differential .
CBC
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...
Blood differential
The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...
Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to care for your teeth and gums.
References
Amsterdam JT. Oral medicine. In Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 70.
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Ear, nose, and throat. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination . 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 12.
Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 65.
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Tooth anatomy - illustration
The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.
Tooth anatomy
illustration
-
Swollen gums - illustration
Abnormally enlarged, bulging, protruding, or swollen gums are a possible indication of disease.
Swollen gums
illustration
-
Tooth anatomy - illustration
The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.
Tooth anatomy
illustration
-
Swollen gums - illustration
Abnormally enlarged, bulging, protruding, or swollen gums are a possible indication of disease.
Swollen gums
illustration
Review Date: 2/22/2016
Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
