Gum swelling, whether it is one area of the gums surrounding a tooth or the entire gums, is quite common and can be due to anything from minor causes, like hypersensitivity to chewing gum, reactions to prescription medications, or a stuck popcorn kernel, to more serious ones, such as gum disease or health problems.
Gum, or periodontal, disease is quite common, and research shows nearly one in three US adults between the ages of 30 and 54 have some form of it. The most minor type of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and can be taken care of with professional cleaning followed by continued attentive oral care at home.
However, sometimes gum swelling does not indicate a problem within the mouth, but rather a more serious health condition, such as leukemia or diabetes.
In either case, it is best to receive a complete examination from your dentist or periodontist as soon as you experience swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing or any other abnormal symptoms in your mouth.