Reviewed by Dr. Marty Jablow, The Dentists of Woodbridge. Updated October 2026.

To calm swollen gums, rinse with warm salt water, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, clean between your teeth, and hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Mild swelling from plaque often settles within a week or two once the area is kept clean. If it is not improving after a few days, keeps coming back, or comes with pus, fever or loose teeth, see a dentist.

Swollen Gum Treatment at Home

1. Rinse with warm salt water. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, swish for 30 seconds and spit. Do this a few times a day.
2. Keep brushing, gently. Use a soft toothbrush along the gumline twice a day. Skipping the sore spot lets plaque build up and makes the swelling worse.
3. Clean between your teeth daily. Floss or use small interdental brushes. A little bleeding in the first few days is common and should ease as the gums heal.
4. Use a cold compress. Hold it on the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time to ease swelling and soreness.
5. Take over-the-counter pain relief as the label directs, if it is safe for you.
6. Give your gums a rest. Avoid tobacco, very hot or crunchy food, and any mouthwash that stings. A gentle, alcohol-free rinse is fine.

What Does Not Work

‍Home care can calm the discomfort, but it cannot remove plaque and tartar that have hardened along the gumline. Only a dentist or hygienist can clean that off. Also, never place aspirin directly on a gum, because it can burn the tissue.

What Can I Do at Home To Help Treat Swollen Gums?

There are many home remedies to help treat swollen or inflamed gums. Rinsing with salt water, tea tree oil, or aloe vera as a mouthwash can help to fight inflammation and heal your gums. Other home remedies include eating foods high in Vitamin D, using a warm or cold compress, or placing black tea bags on the inflamed area.

Home remedies are never a cure for swollen gums, but these remedies can help treat the problem. Anyone with swollen gums should always seek medical advice. The combination of medical treatment and home remedies can get you feeling better quickly. Treating swollen gums or gum disease takes time, and this depends on the severity of the inflammation or infection. Oral hygiene habits at home are extremely important in battling swollen gums and gum disease.

What Professional Treatments Are Available?

There are professional treatments for swollen gums, and depending on the severity of the inflammation will determine which treatment is best. If you have mild to moderate gum inflammation this can be treated with a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home. For severe cases, we offer treatments such as root planing and scaling, laser treatment, or pocket reduction surgery. These treatments can clean and remove the bacteria and tartar from underneath the gums, and repair gums from recession. If you have an infection or abscess our team can help determine the location of the infection, and provide you with antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

Continue to practice good habits at home with brushing and flossing to help heal your gums faster. Drink plenty of water, and get a proper amount of sleep to help your body fight off any bacteria. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, and follow a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise daily.

Why are my Gums Swollen?

• Plaque buildup (gingivitis). The most common cause, and it is usually reversible with a good cleaning and better daily habits.
• Gum disease (periodontitis). Swelling that returns, along with bleeding, bad breath or gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Something stuck or irritating the gum. A piece of food, a rough filling, a partly erupted wisdom tooth, braces or an ill-fitting denture.
• Infection or abscess. Swelling in one spot, often with a bump, a bad taste and pain.
• Hormonal changes. Pregnancy and puberty can make gums more sensitive to plaque.
• Certain medications. Some can cause gum tissue to overgrow. Ask your dentist or doctor.

When to See a Dentist

‍Book a visit if you notice any of these:

• Swelling that is not improving after a few days of careful cleaning
• Gums that are red or purple, or that bleed easily
• A bump on the gum, pus or a bad taste
• Loose teeth, or gums that are pulling away from your teeth
• Pain when you chew

Go to the emergency room if you have swelling in your face or neck, or trouble swallowing or breathing.

FAQ:

What is the fastest way to heal swollen gums?

‍Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day, brush gently with a soft brush, clean between your teeth and use a cold compress for comfort. If the cause is plaque, careful cleaning is what makes the swelling go down. A professional cleaning speeds it up.

How long do swollen gums last?

‍Mild swelling from plaque often improves within one to two weeks of thorough cleaning. Swelling that lasts longer, or keeps returning, needs an exam.

What medicine helps swollen gums?

‍Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort, but they do not treat the cause. If there is an infection, a dentist may recommend an antimicrobial rinse or a prescription. Check with your dentist or pharmacist first.

Why are my gums swollen around just one tooth?

‍The usual suspects are food stuck under the gum, a rough or broken filling, a partly erupted wisdom tooth, or an abscess. Because an infection can spread, have a dentist look at it.

Can swollen gums be a sign of gum disease?

‍Yes. Swelling that returns, bleeding when you brush, bad breath and receding gums are common signs. Gum disease is easier to treat the earlier it is caught.

Why are my gums swollen and bleeding?

‍The most common reason is plaque along the gumline. Bleeding often eases within a week or two as the gums get healthier. If it does not, get it checked.

Are swollen gums an emergency?

‍Usually not, but swelling in your face or neck, a fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent care. See our emergency dentist page for what to do.

Can pregnancy cause swollen gums?

‍Yes. Hormone changes can make gums react more strongly to plaque. Tell your dentist you are pregnant, and keep up with brushing, flossing and your regular cleanings.

Interested in Finding Out More About Treatment for Swollen Gums?

Swollen gums that will not settle? The Dentists of Woodbridge can find the cause and treat it. We see patients from Woodbridge, Iselin, Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Sewaren and nearby towns. Call (732) 636-3434 or request an appointment.

Take that first step towards healthy gums, by calling The Dentists of Woodbridge today to schedule your appointment.