Are swollen gums an emergency?

One tender spot can wait a day or two. Swelling with a bump, bad taste, fever or facial swelling should be seen today.

Can swollen gums be reversed?

Gingivitis, yes, completely, with a cleaning and better home care. More advanced gum disease can be stopped and managed.

Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?

No. Bleeding gums need more gentle cleaning, not less. It usually stops within a week or two of consistent care.

Soon · Within a few days

Swollen gums are telling you something.

Puffy, tender or bleeding gums around one tooth are usually trapped food or a gum infection. Around many teeth, it is often gum disease. Both are very treatable. Swelling that spreads to your face is different: call today.

Call (949) 251-0011

We open at 7 am today. Leave a message and we call back first thing.

Swollen gums emergency care at mend dental in Irvine, CA

Emergency time held dailyA person answers

What is usually behind it

Four common causes.

We find out which one at your visit. You do not need to diagnose it yourself.

Something trappedFood or a flossing injury under the gum. Usually settles in a day or two once cleared.

Gingivitis or gum diseasePlaque along the gumline. Bleeding when brushing is the giveaway.

A gum abscessA tender, shiny bump with a bad taste. Needs treatment.

Hormones, medications or a rough edgePregnancy, some blood pressure medications, or a filling edge that irritates.

Emergency visit for a swollen gums at mend dental

At the visit

Comfortable fast. Then a clear plan.

1Look and measureDr. Sison checks the gums around the swollen area and everywhere else, and looks for anything trapped or sharp.
2Clean it outRemoving what is under the gum is often the whole fix.
3Treat gum disease if presentA thorough cleaning, or a deep cleaning with numbing if pockets have formed.
4See Dr. Shah when neededOur periodontist handles gum abscesses and advanced disease on site.

The emergency exam and X-ray are covered by most PPO plans. You hear the cost of any treatment before it starts, and payment plans are available.

From our patients

Gums, checked every visit

Swollen gums questions, answered.

Most often something stuck under the gum, or an abscess forming next to the tooth. Floss gently and rinse; if it does not settle in two days, come in.