Swollen gums are an uncomfortable and sometimes painful problem that affects many people. The causes are varied, ranging from poor oral hygiene to more serious health problems. Swollen gums occur locally, in certain areas of the mouth, as well as in the entire gum area. In this guide, we'll explore the possible causes of swollen gums, discuss possible treatment options, and provide tips on how to improve your oral health to prevent or relieve gum swelling.
Why are my gums swollen?
Basically, all causative factors for swollen gums lead to gum inflammation. Swelling of the gums is always a symptom of gingivitis. The causes of swollen gums are therefore the factors that trigger gum inflammation, and these would be:
Various factors can range from harmless to serious problems. One of the most common, however, is poor oral hygiene, in which plaque accumulates around the teeth and subsequently leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
In some cases, hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or puberty, lead to gum inflammation and, thus, unpleasant swelling of the gums. Other causes of these symptoms include illnesses such as diabetes, a vitamin deficiency, taking certain medications, or intolerance to dental care products or foods. Disturbed oral flora can also lead to swelling of the gums.
Injuries or irritations to the gums due to poor dental hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, or incorrectly fitting braces or prostheses can also cause swollen and irritated gums.
Causes of swollen gums at a glance
- Poor oral hygiene
- Incorrect tooth brushing technique
- Hormonal change
- Unbalanced diet
- Illnesses and medication intake
- Intolerances and allergies
- Poorly fitting dentures and braces
- Oral dysbiosis: disturbed oral flora
Be careful; swollen gums should not be ignored because they are a warning sign of underlying problems. If you cannot get the gum problem under control, please consult a dentist to clarify the cause and take appropriate treatment measures.
How to treat swollen gums
Relief! Stressed, swollen gums are always an indicator of a serious dental concern. It is therefore very important to take timely measures to heal and protect the gums.
First of all, the cause of the swelling or inflammation of the gums should, of course, be identified. You often have it in your own hands and can heal and rebuild your gums through certain lifestyle changes. Avoiding nicotine consumption, an adapted diet with low-acid and sugary foods, or a toothbrush with softer bristles and gentle tooth brushing techniques can solve the problem. And highly effective solutions are also available for dental care. Products capable of healing the gums, relieving swelling and redness, and strengthening and protecting the gums in the long term.
If you want to take care of your gums, relieve swelling and irritation, and want beautiful, healthy gums that provide a perfect framework for your teeth, then MINT Paro+ dental care is the right choice for you.
Direct hit! The MINT Paro+ line is, so to speak, the star of gum care
All components of the MINT Paro+ line are formulated with high-quality regenerative and anti-inflammatory active ingredients that additionally supply the gums with valuable vitamins. The formula of all Paro+ products focuses on soothing sensitive gums, reducing swelling and inflammation, and nourishing the gums to promote their regeneration. This strengthens the gums and helps them to better withstand everyday stress and external influences.
The MINT Paro+ line includes the MINT Paro+ toothpaste, the MINT Paro+ mouthwash, and the MINT Paro+ hyaluronic gum serum. All components serve the purpose of giving your gums what they need to face the challenges of everyday life: strength and protection. The MINT Paro+ line is the all-round wellness package for your healthy and radiant gums.
The MINT Paro+ toothpaste was specially developed for sensitive gums and contains valuable nutrients such as allantoin, panthenol, and chamomile extract to promote gum regeneration and long-term protection against new strains.
This toothpaste not only protects your gums effectively, but also cleans your teeth ultra-thoroughly, to the level of a professional teeth cleaning at your dentist. This is what the innovative MPT1 Ultra Polish Technology© does with perlite as a cleaning agent; it effectively removes deposits and at the same time protects sensitive tooth enamel.
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The MINT Paro+ mouthwash with a delicious melon flavor and hyaluronic acid is ideal for cleaning the spaces between your teeth. It soothes and strengthens the gums, has an antioxidant effect, and has a gentle texture.
Thanks to its special ingredients, such as vitamin B, E, and K and hyaluronic acid, the mouthwash nourishes the gums and provides the periodontium with moisture to prevent gum recession. Especially for denture wearers, it is a simple solution to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas and remove bacteria.
My tip: Please rinse for 2 minutes so that all spaces between your teeth, tongue, and throat are perfectly reached.
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The MINT Paro+ gum serum contains highly concentrated hyaluronic acid, a crucial component in our Paro+ line. This serum offers a regenerative treatment and is particularly suitable for the first signs of gum inflammation and recession.
It is also beneficial for denture wearers, as it can be used specifically on pressure points and stressed areas in order to develop its healing effect there. After the first application, you will feel a refreshing effect and a noticeable improvement in the mouth area.
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Home remedies for swollen gums
With these home remedies, you may be able to spontaneously counteract the acute swelling of the gums. They are a kind of first aid kit and can certainly relieve the symptoms. However, you should not rely on these little helpers, and, if symptoms persist, you should take other options and have your gums looked at by a dentist.
Salt water rinses
Rinsing with lukewarm salt water can help reduce inflammation. To do this, mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it for a few seconds to a minute. Repeat the whole thing several times a day.
Camomile tea
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a strong chamomile tea, let it cool a little, and use it as a mouthwash several times a day to soothe the gums.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute one to two drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water, and gently rinse your mouth with it. Be careful not to swallow it, and do not use it undiluted.
Cool compresses
Apply a cold compress or cooling bag to the outer cheek to reduce swelling and provide some relief.
Ginger tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Drink ginger tea as usual or chew on a piece of fresh ginger to relieve inflammation. Ginger is an all-round talent!
Aloe vera as a home remedy for swollen gums
Aloe vera has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. Gently apply some aloe vera gel to the swollen gums.
Please note that these home remedies are only intended to temporarily relieve symptoms. If the swelling persists, is accompanied by severe pain, or worsens, it is advisable to consult a dentist to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Swollen gums around one tooth
What if the gums are swollen around just a single tooth? Again, it is important to take the problem seriously and understand what is causing the swelling.
One of the most common causes of swollen gums on a tooth is inflammation of the gums in that exact spot. This inflammation can result from plaque buildup that forms around the affected tooth. This then leads to unwanted redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing your teeth. The inflammation may also be accompanied by pain.
Another possible cause could be an injury or irritation to the gums in this area, for example, due to incorrect tooth brushing, a tooth injury, or even a poorly fitting brace or prosthesis.
In some cases, an infection or abscess beneath the gums is also responsible for the swelling. And this is where the fun really ends! If the swelling of the gums is accompanied by severe pain and possibly a fever, please see your dentist immediately.
Even if the gums are only affected by a single tooth, you should act immediately. If dental care and home remedies do not provide relief, please see your dentist to have the cause clarified.
Swollen gums molar
Swollen gums around a molar can have specific causes and characteristics that are different from those of other teeth. This is because molars are more difficult to reach, especially when brushing, and require thorough cleaning. If these areas are not cleaned carefully, plaque builds up, leading to gingivitis and swollen gums.
In addition, molars tend to have deep pits or fissures in which food particles and bacteria accumulate more easily, which in turn leads to inflammation.
Erupting wisdom teeth
Another reason for swollen gums in the molar area could be the eruption of wisdom teeth. When these teeth do not have enough space, they press against adjacent gums, causing swelling, pain, and inflammation.
Abscesses and infections
Additionally, abscesses or infections beneath the gums can occur, especially if a cavity is left untreated or if bacteria build up and cause an infection.
Swollen gums due to a cold
In many cases, swollen gums during a cold are an unexpected but possible and unpleasant side effect. During a cold, the immune system is weakened and therefore more susceptible to inflammation in the body, including inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Although swollen gums are not directly related to a cold, they can occur due to the body's general reaction to the infection.
Dry mouth promotes swollen gums
A cold also affects the flow of saliva and makes the mouth drier. This, in turn, irritates the gums, causing swelling. It is especially important to go to the bathroom and take care of your teeth, even if you feel bad and are sweating out your cold in bed. Neglecting oral hygiene during an illness often produces additional symptoms, such as gingivitis with swollen gums. So, overcome illness and brush your teeth!
Using decongestants or nasal sprays during a cold can also irritate the gums and cause temporary swelling.
In most cases, swollen gums normalize on their own after recovering from the cold. However, if the swelling persists, becomes severely painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to see your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Swollen gums during pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes in a woman's body lead to various changes, including in the mouth area. Inflammation of the gums with swollen gums is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is known as pregnancy gingivitis.
The increased amounts of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone make the gums more sensitive and increase blood circulation. This causes the gums to swell, produce redness, and even cause bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth or eating.
Pregnancy gingivitis is more common in the second or third trimester, but can also occur earlier. During this time, many women tend to be more susceptible to gum problems because their weakened immune systems are less able to fight off bacterial attacks in the mouth.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy by brushing your teeth regularly and gently, as well as using dental floss and mouthwash. A balanced diet and regular dental exams are also important to prevent gum problems, especially during pregnancy.
Tip: You should also have your teeth professionally cleaned during pregnancy.
Conclusion on the topic: Swollen gums - what to do?
Gingivitis, which results in swollen gums, has a variety of causes. Starting with inadequate oral hygiene and unbalanced eating habits, through hormonal changes and certain illnesses, the best approach and the basis of all measures against swollen gums is good oral hygiene: regular tooth brushing, use of dental floss, mouthwashes, and serums. Home remedies such as salt water rinses or chamomile tea can provide temporary relief. However, if swelling or pain persists, it is important to see a dentist to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment. Pay attention to your gums; your entire dental and oral health depends on them, and with them comes your radiant smile.
