Swollen gums

Gum swelling is almost always a sign of infection or irritation — anywhere from mild gingivitis to a serious dental abscess. Localized swelling around one tooth needs urgent attention; generalized mild swelling can start with better home care.

When should you see a dentist?

Home care may be enough

Generalized mild puffiness of the gums, tender to touch, some bleeding. No fever, no significant pain, no visible bumps.

What to do: Improve flossing. Rinse with warm salt water 2-3x daily. See a dentist within 2 weeks if not improving.

See a dentist promptly

Swelling focused around one tooth, gum feels hot or tender, bad taste in your mouth.

What to do: Book a same-week appointment. Localized swelling often signals a periodontal abscess or a failing tooth.

Emergency — same day

Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, fever, spreading redness, or a fluctuating swelling that indicates pus.

What to do: Emergency dental or medical care. Dental infections can spread to the neck and face — 'Ludwig's angina' is a rare but serious complication.

Possible causes

Gingivitis or periodontitis

Most common

Plaque and calculus buildup irritates the gums; infection makes them swell.

Typical treatments:Dental Cleaning ($105)Deep Cleaning ($275)

Dental abscess

Common in this pattern when localized

Infection from a decayed tooth or gum pocket causes pus buildup. Presents as a firm or fluctuating swelling near a specific tooth.

Typical treatments:Root Canal (Molar) ($1050)Tooth Extraction ($350)

Impacted wisdom tooth

Common in teens/20s

Partially-erupted wisdom teeth trap food and bacteria, causing pericoronitis — inflammation and swelling around the tooth.

Typical treatments:Wisdom Tooth Removal ($400)

Poorly-fitting denture or partial

Common in denture wearers

A denture that presses unevenly on gum tissue can cause chronic irritation and swelling.

What you can try at home

✓Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) 3-4x daily
✓OTC ibuprofen for pain
✓Do NOT apply aspirin directly to the gum — it burns the tissue
✓Don't lance or squeeze a swelling yourself
✓Keep the area clean but don't over-brush the swollen gum

FAQ: Swollen gums

Can I pop a gum abscess at home?▾

No. Squeezing a dental abscess can spread the infection deeper. See a dentist — they can drain it safely if needed and prescribe antibiotics.

Will the swelling go down on its own?▾

Gingivitis-related swelling usually improves with hygiene. Abscess-related swelling can temporarily reduce (the pus finds an exit) but the infection persists and will return worse.

When is gum swelling an emergency?▾

When it spreads to your face or neck, when you have trouble swallowing or breathing, or when you develop a fever. These are signs the infection is escaping the tooth and needs emergency care.

Related symptoms

Bleeding gums Tooth pain when biting or chewing

Information on this page is educational and does not replace a dental exam. If you have severe pain, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or fever alongside dental symptoms, seek emergency care.