Swollen gums
Get emergency care if you have swelling of your gums that makes it hard for you to breathe, or if the swelling has occurred after a significant head injury.
Key facts
- Swollen gums are gums that are red, inflamed and may bleed easily.
- Possible causes of swollen gums include gum disease, hormonal changes or dental injury.
- See your doctor or dentist if swollen gums don't improve after a few days, or if you have other symptoms, such as white spots in your mouth or loose teeth.
- Swollen gums can often be treated with regular brushing and flossing.
- Good oral hygiene can usually help prevent swollen gums — it's important to stop smoking or vaping, take care of your dentures and limit your alcohol intake.
What are swollen gums?
Swollen gums are gums that:
- are red
- are inflamed
- may bleed easily
Swollen gums are often a sign of gum disease, which is very common in Australia — 3 in every 10 adults have moderate or severe gum disease.
If you have swollen gums, you might also notice:
- bleeding when brushing your teeth or eating
- bad breath
- a bad taste in your mouth
- your gums feel soft or spongy
- a toothache
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes swollen gums?
Gum disease
Gum disease is the most common cause of swollen gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque — a sticky layer of germs that builds up on your teeth over time.
You have a higher chance of gum disease if:
Lifestyle factors that can increase your chance of gum disease include:
- smoking or vaping
- using illicit drugs
- drinking alcohol regularly
- taking certain medications, especially if they cause you to have a dry mouth
- having poor oral hygiene
- having a diet high in added sugar
- frequent snacking
Other causes of swollen gums
Other possible causes of swollen gums include:
- hormonal changes, such as during puberty or pregnancy
- poorly fitting dentures
- dental injury
- tooth abscess
When should I see my doctor or dentist?
See your doctor or dentist if you have swollen gums that don't improve after a few days, or if there are any changes to your mouth or gums that you are worried about.
You should also see your doctor or dentist if you have swollen gums and other symptoms, such as:
- pain in your mouth when chewing
- white spots in your mouth
- sores or ulcers in your mouth that last longer than 2 weeks
- loose teeth
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency care if you have swelling of your gums that makes it hard for you to breathe, or if the swelling has occurred after a significant head injury.
Get emergency dental or medical treatment if you have swollen gums and:
- swelling of your face
- bleeding from your mouth that will not stop
- severe mouth pain that keeps you awake
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How are swollen gums treated?
Self-care at home
Swollen gums can often be managed at home with good oral hygiene. Here are some tips that may help:
- Brush your teeth twice daily — gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste can help.
- Use dental floss or dental ribbon to remove plaque from between your teeth.
Medicines for swollen gums
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. This is usually only needed if you:
- have an infection, such as an abscess (pus-filled cavity)
- need to have a dental procedure
- have a weakened immune system
Other treatment options
Saliva helps protect your teeth and gums by washing away food and bacteria. If you have a dry mouth, you can help increase your saliva production by:
- chewing sugar-free gum
- using a saliva substitute — ask your pharmacist or dentist what saliva substitute is right for you
- sipping water regularly throughout the day
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What are the complications of swollen gums?
Swollen gums can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and the tissues that support your teeth.
Swollen gums are often a sign of gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis affects the outer layers of your gums and is reversible (can get better). If it's not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced type of gum disease and can cause:
- receding gums (shrinking gums)
- loss of teeth
- a gum abscess
- an increased chance of premature birth (your baby being born early), if you are pregnant
Having a healthy mouth, teeth and gums may lower your chance of chronic diseases, such as:
Can swollen gums be prevented?
Taking care of your mouth can help prevent swollen gums. Even if your gums are bleeding or inflamed, it's important to keep brushing and flossing your teeth each day. This will help to gradually remove the plaque and improve your symptoms.
You can also improve the health of your mouth by:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- avoiding sugary and fatty foods
- stopping smoking or vaping
- taking care of your dentures
- limiting your alcohol intake
Fluoride makes your teeth stronger and can lower the chance of gum disease. If your local drinking water does not have fluoride, your dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment that can be applied directly to your teeth.
It's important to have dental check-ups every 6 to 12 months, even if you don't have any symptoms. Regular check-ups help detect any changes in your mouth early.
Resources and support
The teeth.org.au page offers information on various topics including:
Languages other than English
The Health Translations page has a fact sheet on gum disease in multiple languages.
If English is not your preferred language, the teeth.org.au website has resources in languages other than English.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
The teeth.org.au website offers resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including information on:
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2026
