Swollen & Inflamed Gums

What different patterns of gum swelling and pain usually mean.

Swollen or painful gums are usually your immune system responding to bacterial irritation, but the specific pattern of swelling can point to different underlying causes — from plaque buildup to hormonal changes. This guide breaks down what different presentations of gum swelling typically mean.

Swollen, Painful Gums? Here's What Your Mouth Is Trying to Tell You