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.
In most cases, swelling in the gums should go away after 1 or 2 days. For example, if you have food stuck in your teeth, or have used a mouthwash that irritated your gums the swelling should not last long.
Gingiva become inflamed (gingivitis).
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth, causing inflammation. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Tooth decay (dental caries) also may result.
Generally, any swelling will subside shortly after the food debris is removed through flossing or brushing. Gingivitis: The initial state of gum disease, gingivitis can cause gum irritation and swelling.
When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
INFLAMED GUM CAUSES
Generally, the inflammation associated with gum disease is not sore, but if it's left untreated it can progress and worsen into periodontitis, a more severe, irreversible stage of gum disease that can eventually cause tooth loss.
What do swollen gums look like? Swollen gums usually have a reddish or purplish hue due to increased blood flow. They may also appear smooth or shiny, and they usually bleed.
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum. An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare.
Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
One of the primary symptoms is that gums will be red and swollen. They will also be tender to the touch. While gingivitis may result in some minor swelling or darkening of the color of the gums, an infection will result in even more swelling and deeper redness. Bleeding gums is another sign of infection.
Swollen gums are a common issue, and in most cases, they are not a cause for concern. However, swollen gums that last for longer than 1–2 days may be a sign of an underlying issue such as gingivitis,periodontitis, or a tooth abscess.
Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. If plaque builds up on your gum line and teeth, over time it can become tartar (hardened plaque), which may lead to gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a more serious infection called periodontal diseases (gum disease).
Periodontitis Stage 1: Initial. Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate. Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe with potential for tooth loss. Periodontitis Stage 4: Severe with potential for loss of all the teeth.
Unhealthy gums may appear bright red and swollen. They may feel extremely sensitive or tender to the touch. They may bleed everytime you brush or floss your teeth. These symptoms can indicate an unhealthy condition, like gum disease or a gum infection.
Most forms of gum disease can be treated without antibiotics, but the biggest advantage of using topical antibiotics to help treat the disease is that they are directed to their specific target areas, thus the entire body is not affected.
An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful, but aren't always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist. It's important to get help as soon as possible, because abscesses don't go away on their own.
A gum abscess may sound like an emergency, but in reality, it's rarely life-threatening and can be treated at home with basic over-the-counter remedies.
What Does a Gum Cyst Look Like? Gum cysts look like a small, raised bump or spot on the gums. Cysts are typically red, purplish or slightly grey coloured, depending on the type and severity. It is possible to have more than one cyst or a cluster of cysts near a problem area – such as adjacent to an infected tooth.