We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Treat Puffy Gums?

By Angela Farrer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,062
References
Share

You can generally treat puffy gums by starting a more intense daily dental hygiene regimen that includes thorough brushing and flossing. Puffy gums are often signs of gingivitis, a common gum disease caused by excessive bacteria. Many dentists recommend specific types of toothbrushes and brushing techniques in order to remove harmful bacteria and to allow existing puffy gums to heal. Certain dietary changes can also help prevent further gum swelling by strengthening the underlying bones with needed vitamins and minerals. More severely swollen gums may require a visit to the dentist in order to treat more serious swelling that may be a sign of an infection called periodontitis.

Consistent and proper dental hygiene is the simplest way to treat and prevent puffy gums. Dentists often point to improper brushing as a cause of mildly swollen gums. Many people feel that hard brushing with a vigorous side-to-side motion is the right way to scrub teeth clean, but this method can frequently damage the sensitive tissue that comprises gums. Brushing in small circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush is usually considered a better way to rid teeth and gums of the harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Many dentists advise patients with swollen gums to brush thoroughly with this method as soon as possible after each meal or snack during the day.

Flossing is another important practice in keeping teeth and gums healthy, though dentists also report that it needs to be done with a specific technique. It can often be easy to jam floss too hard in between teeth, causing it to dig into the soft gum tissue and make the swelling worse. If you experience difficulty getting floss through your teeth because they are spaced tightly together, working the piece of floss slowly in between the teeth with a back-and-forth motion often helps this problem.

Puffy gums also frequently see improvement from adding certain foods to your diet and reducing others. Carbonated drinks have been shown to pull calcium away from bones and teeth, increasing the chances of dental problems. Foods high in sugar can also act as magnets for bacterial growth at the gum line and in between the teeth, which also multiplies the chances of developing gingivitis. Adding healthy foods such as milk, cheese, fruits, and vegetables is considered another important measure in reducing puffy gums. Drinking plenty of fresh water instead of high-sugar sodas will also help to clean away the bacteria responsible for common gum diseases.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By fify — On Aug 08, 2013

Puffy gums is a sign for me to visit a dentist for a routine cleaning. After a good clean-up and regular brushing, the puffiness goes away.

By ZipLine — On Aug 07, 2013

@simrin-- Sometimes, puffy gums are not due to a hygiene problem but rather due to sensitive gums.

I also have very sensitive gums and I've experienced puffy gums before from simply brushing too hard or using too much floss. This might be the issue with you as well. Make sure that your toothbrush is soft and be gentle while flossing so that you don't make your gums bleed.

Gargling with an alcohol-free mouthwash or just salt water will help. The reason I say alcohol-free mouthwash is because alcohol can irritate the gums as well.

By SteamLouis — On Aug 07, 2013

My gums have been very puffy and irritated for the past few days. It's not my entire mouth, just the gums on one side of my mouth.

My gums look swollen and red and I have trouble eating on that side because it hurts.

What can I do? I'm already brushing and flossing regularly, so I don't know what the problem is.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-treat-puffy-gums.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.