Have your gums been swollen or irritated lately? You should rest assured knowing many Americans experience swollen gums from time to time. Unfortunately, swollen gums can also be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as gum disease or an infection. How long do swollen gums usually last? At what point should you be concerned? Below are the answers to these questions and a bit more information about what causes swollen gums and how long you can expect the condition to last.
Possible Causes of Swollen Gums
Swollen gums may be the result of several different causes. Most of these causes are connected to oral health or complications from oral health issues, including:
* Food particles stuck in the teeth: If a piece of food, such as popcorn or an apple, gets stuck in the gums it can cause irritation. In most cases, a piece of food that is stuck will become dislodged once you brush and floss.
* Gum disease: The early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, causes swelling and irritation in the gums. In fact, gum disease is often the most common cause of swollen gums and is often what a dental provider will check for first. In the earliest stages, swollen gums may be the only symptom of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will develop into a more serious infection with severe consequences.
* Pregnancy: Even if they have ideal oral health, pregnant women sometimes experience swollen gums. Hormones change significantly during pregnancy and may cause increases in blood flow to the gums that leads to swelling.
* Infections: Infections in the body can lead to inflammation in the gums. If you have swelling in the jaw and a fever, in addition to swollen gums, you may have an infected tooth and should see your dental provider as soon as possible.
* Other causes: Some other less common health issues may be the cause of swollen gums, including prescription medications, malnutrition, or sensitivity to oral products.
How Long Do Swollen Gums Last
Swelling in the gums commonly goes away after 1 or 2 days. For example, if you have a piece of food stuck in your teeth, or have used a mouthwash that irritated your gums, the swelling should only last a few days. Gums that remain swollen for longer than a few days may be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue such as an infected tooth. If you are also not feeling well and have a fever, you should contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
When Is It Time To See Your Doctor?
In most cases, swollen gums are not a cause for concern. However, it is also common for swollen or irritated gums to be a sign of a more serious underlying issue and ignoring these symptoms may lead to a serious health complication. If you have been experiencing swollen gums for longer than 2 weeks you should see your dental provider for a full diagnosis and treatment.