Gusi bengkak (swollen gums) is most often caused by gum disease, where plaque builds up on the teeth and makes the gums red, swollen, sore and prone to bleeding. Other causes include a dental abscess, a wisdom tooth that has not fully come through, an injury and, rarely, severe vitamin C deficiency. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily are the main ways to treat and prevent gum disease, and painkillers can ease pain. See a dentist if your gums bleed, hurt or stay swollen, and get urgent help for pus, facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Kenapa gusi bengkak? The common causes
Swollen gums have several possible causes. Based on NHS information, the main ones are:
| Cause | Typical signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gum disease | Red, swollen, sore gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard foods; bad breath | Better brushing and cleaning between teeth; see a dentist |
| Dental abscess | Intense pain in the tooth or gum, pus, a bad taste, a swollen face or jaw, sometimes a high temperature | Urgent dentist appointment; it will not go away on its own |
| Wisdom tooth partly through the gum | Pain and swelling at the back of the mouth; gum infection (pericoronitis); food getting stuck | See a dentist; an X-ray may be needed |
| Injury to the teeth, gums or mouth | Can sometimes lead to infection and a dental abscess | See a dentist |
| Severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy, rare) | Swollen, bleeding gums; rare, as most people get enough vitamin C | See a doctor; treated with vitamin C |
The NHS advises regular dental check-ups, especially if you are pregnant or have type 2 diabetes (see our guide to kencing manis).
Gusi berdarah: why do gums bleed when you brush?
According to the NHS, gum disease is where your gums become red, swollen and sore, and bleed. It is very common. Signs include:
- gums bleeding when you brush, floss or eat hard foods, such as apples;
- gums becoming swollen, red and sore.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing and cleaning between the teeth regularly, it builds up and irritates the gums. If it is not treated, gum disease can lead to:
- bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth;
- gums shrinking;
- teeth becoming loose or falling out;
- a dental abscess.
Bleeding gums can rarely be caused by severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), which the NHS says is rare because most people get enough vitamin C from fruit and vegetables; see our guide to vitamin C.
Gusi bengkak bernanah: is it a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. According to the NHS, it needs urgent treatment by a dentist and will not go away on its own. Symptoms include:
- intense toothache or pain in your gums;
- redness inside the mouth, or outside on the face or jaw;
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink;
- a bad taste in your mouth;
- difficulty opening your mouth and chewing;
- a swollen face or jaw, swollen glands in the neck, or a high temperature.
A dentist will drain the pus and may need to do root canal treatment or remove the tooth; you may also be given antibiotics. You are more likely to get an abscess if you have tooth decay or gum disease, a tooth that has not grown through the gum properly, or an injury to your teeth or gums. See also our guide to sakit gigi (toothache).
Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you:
- find it hard to breathe, speak or swallow;
- have a swollen or painful eye, or sudden problems with your eyesight;
- have a lot of swelling in your mouth;
- find it hard to open your mouth.
Gusi belakang bengkak: could it be a wisdom tooth?
Swelling at the back of the mouth (gusi belakang bengkak) is often linked to a wisdom tooth. According to the NHS, wisdom teeth usually start coming through in your teens or early 20s, and if they do not have enough space they may be blocked by another tooth or partly covered by gum. This can cause:
- pain and swelling;
- an infection of the gum around the tooth (pericoronitis);
- food getting stuck, tooth decay and gum disease;
- a dental abscess.
A dentist may take X-rays to check the position of the tooth and decide whether it needs to be removed.
Cara hilangkan gusi bengkak: what can you do at home?
For mild swelling from gum disease, the NHS advice for keeping teeth and gums healthy is:
- brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, then spit rather than rinse;
- clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes;
- use a soft toothbrush if your gums are sore;
- do not use mouthwash straight after brushing;
- do not smoke.
While waiting to see a dentist with a painful gum, the NHS suggests:
- taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin), without going over the recommended dose;
- eating soft foods such as soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and yoghurt;
- avoiding very hot or very cold food and drink.
Home care can ease symptoms, but it does not replace a dentist: an abscess needs draining by a dentist, and gum disease may need professional cleaning.
Ubat gusi bengkak: what treatments help?
The right treatment depends on the cause. According to the NHS:
- Early gum disease: your dentist will advise you on cleaning your teeth properly, including interdental brushes, advise you to stop smoking, and may recommend a professional clean by a hygienist.
- Serious gum disease: you may need deep cleaning under the gums, antibiotics, removal of some teeth, or gum surgery.
- Dental abscess: the dentist drains the pus, and may do root canal treatment or remove the tooth, sometimes with antibiotics.
- Scurvy: treated by adding vitamin C to the diet, sometimes with vitamin C supplements recommended by a doctor.
Pharmacy painkillers can ease pain while you wait for treatment, but they do not treat the cause of gum disease or an abscess. Antibiotics are only needed in some cases and must be prescribed. Ulcers or red patches in the mouth can have other causes; see our guide to ulser mulut.
How can you prevent swollen gums?
Gum disease is caused by plaque, so daily cleaning is the best prevention. The NHS recommends:
- brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, spitting rather than rinsing;
- cleaning between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes;
- replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months;
- regular dental check-ups, even if you have no problems, especially if you are pregnant or have type 2 diabetes;
- not smoking.
When should you see a dentist?
See a dentist, according to the NHS, if:
- your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard foods;
- your gums are painful and swollen;
- you have bad breath;
- your child has sore, bleeding gums.
Ask for an urgent dentist appointment if you have gum disease and:
- very sore and swollen gums;
- teeth becoming loose or falling out;
- ulcers or red patches in your mouth;
- a lump in your mouth or on your lip;
- or you think you have a dental abscess.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Kenapa gusi bengkak? What causes swollen gums?
The most common cause is gum disease, where plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, sore and prone to bleeding. Other causes include a dental abscess (a pocket of pus from an infection), a wisdom tooth that has not fully come through and is partly covered by gum, an injury to the mouth, and, rarely, severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy).
Why do my gums bleed when I brush (gusi berdarah)?
Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard foods such as apples are a common sign of gum disease caused by plaque build-up. Keep brushing gently twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, and see a dentist.
What is the best ubat gusi bengkak?
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can ease pain while you wait to see a dentist, but they do not treat the cause. For gum disease, the main treatment is removing plaque: better brushing and cleaning between the teeth, and professional cleaning. Antibiotics are only needed in some cases, such as serious gum disease or a dental abscess, and must be prescribed.
Is a swollen gum with pus (gusi bengkak bernanah) serious?
Yes. Pus in the gum usually means a dental abscess, which needs urgent treatment by a dentist and will not go away on its own. Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you have difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, a lot of swelling in your mouth, a swollen or painful eye, or you cannot open your mouth.
Why is the gum at the back of my mouth swollen?
Swelling at the back of the mouth (gusi belakang bengkak) is often linked to a wisdom tooth that does not have enough space to come through and is partly covered by gum. This can cause pain, swelling and an infection of the gum called pericoronitis. A dentist can check it with an X-ray and decide whether the tooth needs removing.
How can I reduce swollen gums at home?
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush, spit rather than rinse after brushing, and clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes. Do not use mouthwash straight after brushing, and do not smoke. Painkillers can help with pain. See a dentist if your gums stay swollen, bleed or are painful.
When should I see a dentist for swollen gums?
See a dentist if your gums bleed when you brush or eat, are painful and swollen, or you have bad breath. Ask for an urgent appointment if your gums are very sore and swollen, your teeth are loose, you have ulcers, red patches or a lump in your mouth, or you think you have a dental abscess.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a dentist or doctor. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
