Gums, swollen

• 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)

Note: There may be other causes of swollen gums. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for swollen gums, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
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 Healthcare Provider If:

• swelling is severe, persistent, or is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting bleeding gums in detail may include:

• 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

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 .

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

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to swollen gums, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


A cross section illustration of the tooth. The gums are shown in pink and the bone is yellow.