Swelling in My Gums – What Does it Mean?

Like the check engine light that comes on when there is a problem with your car, swollen gums indicate something is wrong.

Our gums play an important role in our oral health. Like the check engine light that comes on when there is a problem with your car, swollen gums indicate several different dental health issues. Swollen gums alert you that something is wrong.

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

Swollen gums are often sensitive, irritated, or painful. You may also notice that your gums bleed more easily when brushing or flossing. While these symptoms are not uncommon for many people, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as you detect it.

Here are some of the most common causes of swollen gums:

Gingivitis

Swollen gums are generally the first sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is the most common reason people develop swollen gums. The inflammation is the result of the accumulation of bacteria in plaque.

In its beginning stages, the symptoms of gingivitis are mild and will generally get better if you brush and floss. However, if it doesn’t get better with brushing and flossing, you need to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. If you have gingivitis, you need to get treatment as soon as possible to keep it from progressing into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Severe cases that are left untreated can lead to tooth loss.

Infection

Swelling of your gums can indicate that you have a fungal or viral infection. Thrush is a fungal infection that can cause your gums to swell. If you notice a strange white rash in your mouth, contact your doctor so that you can get an antifungal medication. If you have the herpes virus, you are at a higher risk of contracting acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, a condition that causes gums to swell.

Vitamin Deficiency

If you are deficient in specific vitamins, it can affect your oral health and cause your gums to swell. Being low in vitamins B and C are the most common deficiencies that can cause your gums to swell. Malnutrition is not a typical problem but may be an issue for a person that is elderly or has other special needs such as autism or other disabilities.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience gum swelling. Pregnancy hormones cause an increase in blood flow to the gums, which can cause swelling. Hormone changes can increase your risk of gingivitis and gum infections. When pregnant, it is essential to maintain good oral health and visit your dentist to help keep your mouth healthy.

How to Care for Swollen Gums

If you notice swelling in your gums, you can do a few things before making a dental appointment. However, these home remedies may not cure the underlying problem.

• Brush and floss gently to soothe gums and avoid additional irritation
• Use a saltwater rinse to clear away extra bacteria
• Drink more water
• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or using strong mouthwashes
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and a warm compress to soothe the pain

Contact Your Dentist

If you continue to have swollen gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today if you’re a caregiver for an elderly parent or a person with special needs.

We value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care you deserve. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.