Swollen gums signal irritation from plaque buildup or hidden triggers, turning pink edges puffy and tender within days of neglect.

Bacterial films harden into tartar, sparking mild redness that deepens if brushing skips spots. Hormonal fluxes or vitamin gaps add layers, while infections brew warmth and shine.

Nearly half of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease (periodontitis, mild to severe). This includes roughly 42 % overall, with about 8 % having severe disease.

Plaque and Tartar Traps

Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth soon after eating and drinking, and if it isn’t regularly removed by brushing and flossing it can begin to harden into tartar (calculus) within 24–72 hours, which can only be removed by a dental professional. This plaque harbors bacteria that produce acids and irritate the gums, contributing to inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath when disturbed by brushing or flossing.

Regular brushing twice a day with a soft brush and daily interdental cleaning (flossing) disrupts plaque where a toothbrush can’t reach and helps prevent tartar buildup, gingivitis, and gum disease, while professional cleanings remove hardened deposits and support long‑term gum health.

Hormonal Waves in Life Stages

Estrogen and progesterone surges during monthly cycles plump flows to edges, tenderness peaking mid-phase. Pregnancy months amplify this, gums shining red around fronts by week 12 in half of cases. Puberty floods mimic, while menopause dries then swells under shifts. Balanced rinses with salt water calm rushes, pro checks track changes safely.

Vitamin Shortfalls Weaken Defenses

Vitamin C lacks fray barriers, scurvy edges emerging pale and spongy after weeks of fruit skips. B-vitamin dips slow repairs, cracks inviting bugs deeper. Older groups face risks from picky eats, citrus and greens refilling stores swiftly. Folate gaps tie to canker rings, swelling rims redly. Supplements bridge gaps under guidance, whole foods lock steady supplies.

Viral and Fungal Sneak Attacks

Thrush yeasts overgrow on sugars, creamy patches pulling tissues taut. Untreated decays abscess locally, pus pockets throbbing hot. Antiviral gels speed clears, antifungal drops halt yeast parties promptly. Dry mouths from meds invite both, hydration flushes threats early.

Dr. Christine Frank, a dentist who reviewed the Healthline article on gum health, explains that gum swelling usually stems from gingivitis but can also be linked to things like lack of key nutrients, shifts in hormones, or mouth infections, and her commentary highlights these common contributing factors clearly.

Harsh Brushing or Floss Yanks

Stiff bristles scrub raw, edges receding then puffing defensively after aggressive mornings. Sawing floss nicks pockets, blood spotting sinks pinkly. Soft curves glide safer, angles hitting 45 degrees for full sweeps. Tongue scrapers pair well, clearing back films without trauma. Nightly routines rebuild calm, sensitivity fading in weeks.

Allergic Reactions to Products

Toothpaste sodium lauryl sulfate sparks itches. Metal fillings leach under chews, nickel sensitivities reddening spots. Food dyes in candies stain and sting, gluten traces flaring celiacs. Rinse trials swap brands, natural pastes soothing fast. Patch tests confirm culprits, clear gels coat irritated zones overnight.

Trapped Debris and Burns

Seeds or meats wedge pockets, fermenting acids puffing locales overnight. Hot pizzas scorch roofs, edges blistering then swelling defensively. Coffee scalds linger tender, ice chips numb peaks swiftly. Picks dislodge bits post-meals, cool milks coat burns gently. Frequent snacks breed traps, timed eats spacing cleans better.

Swollen gums arise from plaque traps, hormone tides, vitamin voids, germ raids, rough scrubs, allergy hits, and debris burns, each demanding tailored sweeps. Daily soft cares, pro scales, and diet tweaks restore firmness swiftly, guarding smiles enduringly.