MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gums

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Gums - swollen

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations	Common Causes Home Care Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Tooth anatomy

Swollen gums

Alternative names Return to top

Swollen gums; Gingival swelling

Definition Return to top

Swollen gums are abnormally enlarged, bulging, or protruding.

Considerations Return to top

Gum swelling is quite common and may involve one or many papillae (the triangular-shaped bits of gum between adjacent teeth).

Occasionally, the gums swell significantly, obscuring the teeth altogether.

Common Causes Return to top

Infection by a virus or fungus
Gingivitis
Poorly fitting dentures
Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash
Side effect of a drug such as Dilantin or phenobarbital
Malnutrition
Vitamin C deficiency
Pregnancy (1st or 2nd trimester)

Home Care Return to top

Improve your nutrition if it is poor.

Avoid gum irritants such as commercial mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco. For swollen gums caused by sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash, change the toothpaste brand and avoid using mouthwashes.

Use good oral hygiene. See a periodontist (or dentist) at least every 6 months.

For swollen gums caused by reaction to a drug, consult your health care provider about using substitutes. NEVER CHANGE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

swelling is severe, persistent, or is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
discomfort is associated with swelling

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting bleeding gums in detail may include the following:

Quality
- How swollen are the gums?
- Can you see the teeth?
- Are the gums bleeding?
Time pattern
- Did the swelling begin recently?
- Are they always swollen?
- Does the amount of swelling change?
- Does it only occur occasionally?
- Have you had gum problems before?
Oral hygiene habits
- How often do you brush?
- How often do you floss?
- How hard of a toothbrush is used?
- How vigorously do you brush?
- What are other habits (use of toothpicks or other)?
- When was the last time you had the teeth professionally cleaned (at the dentists)?
Eating habits
- Have you changed your diet?
- Do you eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables?
- Do you take supplemental vitamins?
Other
- What medications are being taken?
- Do you take anticonvulsants such as Dilantin or phenobarbital?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you changed mouthwash or tooth paste recently?
- What other symptoms are present? Is there:
  - breath odor
  - redness of the gums
  - abnormal color of the teeth
  - sore throat
  - pain

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the mouth, teeth, and gums.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential.

The patient will be taught proper mouth and gum care. Emotional support and reassurance that the swelling typically resolves with treatment should be offered.

Update Date: 10/20/2003

Updated by: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, N.Y., Editor, Ninth District Dental Association. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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