How Long do Swollen Gums Last?

How Long do Swollen Gums Last?

The most common cause of swollen gums is gum disease, which is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common condition that can often be prevented with proper oral hygiene, which includes twice-daily brushing and daily flossing as well as periodic dental checkups and professional cleanings. Some people are more prone to inflammation, due to certain health conditions or damaging habits, and for these people, swelling in the gums could lead to gum disease more readily. Because gum disease can often be reversed when it is diagnosed and treated early, if your gums are swollen for more than a week or two, see your dentist. If your gums are swollen due to minor injury or other irritation, the swelling might resolve on its own, but when the gums are chronically swollen, they are more susceptible to gum disease, so it’s important not to leave swollen gums unaddressed for too long.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth, in the forms of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth above and below the gum line. Some plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, but tartar, which is plaque that has hardened, can only be safely removed with professional dental instruments in a clinical setting. For many people, the first indication of gum disease is swelling in the gums, which may be accompanied by bleeding from the gums while brushing or flossing, though in some cases, there are no symptoms at all; regular checkups are a key part of the early detection of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by increased inflammation in the mouth. Inflammation and infection cause pockets to form between the swollen gum tissue and the teeth it’s intended to protect, and bacteria can proliferate in these dental pockets, leading to the loosening and eventual loss of the teeth. Once the teeth have fallen out, when there are no tooth roots present to stimulate the growth of healthy bone tissue, the bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate and be reabsorbed into the body.

Clearly, the effects of gum disease are varied and can be severe. The duration of treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the disease, along with a few other factors. When gingivitis is detected and treated early, the gums can usually be efficiently restored to health. For people with gum disease that arose due to ineffective oral hygiene, it usually takes about two weeks following treatment for swelling in the gums to recede and inflammation to reduce. Keep in mind, however, that proper oral hygiene is necessary for the gums to heal following treatment, so make sure you talk to your dentist about effective brushing and flossing habits.

Certain conditions, like pregnancy, diabetes, and certain immune disorders, or habits like smoking, can increase the risk of gum disease and will usually require supplemental treatment or a longer duration of treatment. Multiple other factors could affect the duration of treatment, too. These factors include the severity of the gum disease, whether any surgical procedures or bone grafts are needed for thorough and effective treatment, and the efficacy of the patient’s oral hygiene routine during and after treatment.