How Long Do Swollen Gums Last?
Have you noticed recently that your gums are swollen or irritated? You shouldn’t be too concerned, as many American adults experience swollen gums from time to time. However, swollen gums can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as gum disease or infection. So, how long do swollen gums last? And at what point should you be concerned? Below is more information about what causes swollen gums and how long you should expect the condition to last.
Possible Causes
There are a number of things that can lead to swollen gums. Most of the possible causes of swollen gums are connected to oral health or complications from oral health issues, including:
- Food particles stuck in the teeth: If a piece of popcorn or an apple get stuck in the gums it can cause discomfort and irritation. Most of the time, the problem will go away once you brush and floss out the food particles.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, causes swelling and irritation in the gums. It is one of the most common causes of swollen gums and will likely be what your dental provider will check for first. Many times, a person will not have any other symptoms of gingivitis. However, treatment is very important. If left untreated, gingivitis may develop into a serious infection.
- Pregnancy: Swollen gums commonly occur when a person is pregnant, even if they have ideal oral health. During pregnancy, hormones change significantly and may greatly increase blood flow to the gums, causing swelling.
Infections: Infections or viruses in the body can lead to swelling in the gums, if you notice you also have swelling in the jaw and a fever, you may have an infected tooth and you should see your dental provider as soon as possible. - Other causes: Some other less common health issues may cause the gums to swell, such as prescription medications, malnutrition, or sensitivity to oral products.
How Long Do Swollen Gums Last
In most cases, swelling in the gums should go away after 1 or 2 days. For example, if you have food stuck in your teeth, or have used a mouthwash that irritated your gums the swelling should not last long. Swollen gums that last for longer than a few days may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue such as gingivitis or an infected tooth. If you notice you are not feeling well and also have a fever you should contact your dental provider to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
When Is It Time To See A Doctor?
Swollen gums are a common issue, and in most cases, they are not a cause for concern. However, it is also common for swollen or irritated gums to be a sign of an underlying issue and ignoring these symptoms may lead to more serious complications. Anyone experiencing swollen gums for longer than 2 weeks should see their dental provider for a full diagnosis and treatment.