Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (BDS, MDS - Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)

Healthy gums are firm, pale pink and do not bleed. If yours look puffy, feel tender or bleed, they are telling you something. Often it is a simple problem that responds well to cleaning, but sometimes it points to a deeper infection. Here is how we assess swollen gums at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic in Khar West, Mumbai.

Written by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist), The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai.

Common causes of swollen gums

• Gingivitis: gum inflammation from plaque build-up. It is the most common cause and is reversible.
• Periodontitis: advanced gum disease that affects the bone around the teeth.
• Gum abscess: a painful, pus-filled swelling, often from an infected tooth or a trapped food particle.
• Food or tartar trapped under the gum.
• Hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy.
• Certain medicines and some medical conditions.
• Ill-fitting braces, dentures or crowns.

When swelling needs urgent attention

See a dentist quickly if the swelling is localised and painful, there is pus, a bad taste, fever, or the swelling is spreading on the face. These can signal an abscess that needs drainage and treatment of its source.

How dentists treat gum problems

• Gingivitis: professional scaling and polishing, plus a better brushing and flossing routine. See teeth cleaning and gingivitis treatment.
• Periodontitis: deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) under local anaesthesia, and regular maintenance visits. Read scaling vs deep cleaning.
• Abscess: drainage, cleaning and treating the cause, which may be a root canal or an extraction.
• Excess or uneven gum tissue: minor gum surgery or contouring, if suitable. Learn about gum surgeries at the clinic.

What you can do at home

Brush gently twice a day with a soft brush, clean between the teeth once a day, and rinse with warm salt water if the gums feel sore. Quit smoking or tobacco, which makes gum disease worse. Do not stop brushing because the gums bleed. Gentle, regular cleaning is what helps them heal.

Cost

Dental cleaning starts at Rs 1,500, and scaling with root planing starts at Rs 4,500 per quadrant. The right treatment is decided after examination, and costs are confirmed first. See the fees page.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Most often because of plaque-related inflammation. See our post on bleeding gums.

Will swollen gums go away on their own?

Mild gingivitis may settle with better cleaning, but if it lasts more than a week or two, get it examined.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes, if advanced gum disease is left untreated, the bone support is lost over time. Early treatment helps protect the teeth.

Are swollen gums normal in pregnancy?

They can be more sensitive due to hormonal changes. A dental check and gentle cleaning are recommended.

This article is general information based on our clinical experience and is not a substitute for an examination. Every tooth and every patient is different, so outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. If you have pain, swelling or fever, please see a dentist.

To book a visit, call +91 98190 39311 or message us on WhatsApp.

The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and closed on Sunday. See our fees and our Smile Gallery.