You can often see improvement in inflamed gums within a few days to a week with excellent home care (gentle brushing, flossing, antibacterial rinse), but mild gingivitis might take 2-3 weeks to fully resolve, while more severe issues like periodontitis or infections need professional dental treatment and can take weeks or months, requiring urgent care if severe swelling, pus, or fever are present.
How long swollen gums will last depends on the cause. If you have gingivitis, it might take a couple of weeks of consistent oral hygiene for you to start seeing relief from swollen gums. If you've had an infection, swelling should start to go down in the days after you start treatment.
Top 5 Remedies to Soothe Swollen Gums at Home
Your dentist will also recommend good oral hygiene to help reduce your symptoms, including:
Anything that makes contact with your gums can cause you pain, so fine and soft bristles are always the best choice. The toothpaste marketed as “Sensitive Teeth Formula” contain special ingredients to help relieve sensitivity. When your gums are inflamed, even light brushing can cause some pain.
You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if: you're aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education. you're pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay, periodontitis and tooth loss.
From gum disease to bacterial infections, swollen gums indicate an underlying issue that requires prompt attention. Ignoring the problem may lead to severe complications, including tooth loss, abscesses, and even systemic health concerns.
Prompt treatment usually reverses symptoms of gingivitis and prevents it from leading to more-serious gum disease and tooth loss. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also practice good oral care daily and stop using tobacco. Professional gingivitis care includes: Dental cleaning.
Gum disease is the most common cause. But inflamed gums can point to other health conditions too, like diabetes, hormone changes and vitamin deficiencies. If you have swollen gums that last longer than two weeks, let your healthcare provider know. They can find the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Here are common signs to look out for: Red, Swollen Gums: Healthy gums are pink and firm, indicating good oral health. However, when your gums become red and swollen, it's a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. This inflammation is your immune system's response to bacterial invasion.
Stress can lead to hormonal changes and weaken the immune system, resulting in gum inflammation and bleeding due to neglected oral hygiene. Prioritizing stress management and maintaining oral care is essential to prevent these issues.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
The fastest way to get rid of gingivitis is to see a dentist for a cleaning and improve your oral hygiene habits at home between visits.
Here are six foods to avoid to protect your gums:
Use Soft Bristles
A soft-bristle toothbrush - the softest you can buy - is a must for anyone with inflamed gums. Anything that makes contact with your gums can cause you pain, so fine and soft bristles are always the best choice.
Early signs of gum disease include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums. You may see a buildup of plaque on your teeth. As the disease worsens, you may notice loose teeth and pus along your gum line.
Signs of infected gums include:
Antibiotics. The dentist can control gum tissue inflammation that accompanies a gum infection with antibiotics like minocycline or chlorhexidine. The product is placed in the periodontal pocket between the gums and the teeth to fight bacteria.
The Quick Answer: Listerine as Adjunctive Plaque Control
Listerine's essential oil formula is clinically proven to significantly reduce plaque buildup and aid in gingivitis reversal when used as an adjunctive therapy (a supplement) to mechanical cleaning.
If one or more of the following applies to you when your treatment begins, you should be entitled to free NHS dental care: aged under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education. pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months.
It is safe to perform a routine dental treatment in the early part of the 3rd trimester, but from the middle of the 3rd trimester, routine dental treatments are avoided. The current recommendations are: Oral hygiene, instructions and plaque control.
Timing: It's recommended to schedule your postpartum dental visit within 6 months of delivering your baby.
Yes, dentists can often tell if you only brush once a day. Signs like plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and tartar reveal brushing frequency during exams.