Gum Growing Over Tooth: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Dentist

Gum tissue is dynamic—it responds to inflammation, hormones, medications, and physical irritation. When something triggers excessive growth or swelling, the gum can gradually extend over part of a tooth's surface, sometimes partially or even fully covering it.

The medical term for gum overgrowth is gingival hyperplasia (also called gingival enlargement or hypertrophy). However, not every case of gum covering a tooth is true hyperplasia—sometimes the gum is simply swollen and inflamed, or the tooth itself is only partially erupted.

Here are the most common causes:

Gum tissue growing over a tooth rarely happens in isolation. Depending on the cause, you may also experience:

• Pain or tenderness around the affected area, especially when chewing


• Bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating crunchy foods


• Bad breath or a bad taste from bacteria trapped under the gum flap


• Difficulty chewing on the affected side


• Swelling in the cheek or jaw if infection is developing


• A visible bump or mass on the gum that may be pink, red, or the same color as surrounding tissue


• Bite changes if the overgrown tissue interferes with how your teeth come together

Warning signs that need urgent attention:

• Fever or chills


• Pus draining from around the tooth


• Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing


• Swelling spreading to the neck, under the jaw, or around the eye


• Severe, worsening pain that over-the-counter medications do not control

These symptoms suggest an infection that could become serious. Contact your dentist immediately or go to an emergency room if your dental office is closed.

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the overgrowth. Your dentist will examine the area, likely take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the gum, and determine the best approach.

While waiting for your dental appointment, these home measures can help manage discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening:

Saltwater rinses:
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gently swish around the affected area for 30 seconds, then spit. Repeat 3-4 times daily. Saltwater reduces bacteria and helps with swelling.

Gentle but thorough cleaning:
Continue brushing and flossing, even if the area is tender. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the overgrown tissue. If a gum flap is present (pericoronitis), try to gently flush under it with a curved-tip syringe or water flosser on a low setting to remove trapped food.

Over-the-counter pain relief:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often most effective because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Take as directed on the package. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an alternative if you cannot take ibuprofen.

Cold compress:
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes on, 15-20 minutes off, to reduce swelling.

Avoid irritating the area:
Do not pick at or pull on the overgrown gum tissue. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate it further. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Do not attempt to cut the tissue yourself. This is dangerous and can lead to serious infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and nerve damage. Leave tissue removal to a dental professional using sterile instruments.

It depends on the cause:

May resolve without surgery:

• Inflammation from poor hygiene – Professional cleaning plus improved home care often allows swollen gums to shrink back to normal within a few weeks.


• Pregnancy-related changes – Usually resolve within a few months after delivery.


• Mild pericoronitis – The swelling from an acute episode often subsides with antibiotics and rinses, though it may recur.

Unlikely to resolve without treatment:

• Medication-induced overgrowth – Will persist or worsen as long as the medication is continued. Even with medication changes, established overgrowth usually requires surgical removal.


• Chronic pericoronitis – The gum flap over a partially erupted tooth will not disappear on its own. The tooth needs to fully erupt (unlikely in most wisdom tooth cases) or the flap or tooth needs to be removed.


• Hereditary gingival fibromatosis – This genetic condition requires surgical management and tends to recur.


• Fibrous overgrowth from irritation – Firm, fibrous gum overgrowth does not shrink on its own. The source of irritation needs to be eliminated and the excess tissue surgically removed.

The bottom line: do not assume gum overgrowth will go away without professional evaluation. Even in cases where it might improve on its own, a dentist should confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious causes.

If your dentist recommends surgical removal of the excess gum tissue, here is what to expect:

During the procedure:
Gingivectomy is typically performed under local anesthesia in a regular dental office. The dentist uses a scalpel, electrocautery, or laser to trim the excess tissue and reshape the gum to a normal, healthy contour. The procedure takes 15-45 minutes depending on the extent of overgrowth.

First 24-48 hours:

• Mild to moderate discomfort, well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medication


• Some bleeding and oozing is normal


• A periodontal dressing (surgical bandage) may be placed over the area


• Eat soft, cool foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing

First 1-2 weeks:

• The area will look red and raw as it heals


• Gradually transition back to normal foods as comfort allows


• Continue gentle brushing around (not directly on) the surgical site


• Use prescribed or recommended mouth rinses

Full healing:
The gum tissue typically heals completely within 2-4 weeks. The final contour of the gum may take several weeks to fully mature. Follow all post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments.

Cost: Gingivectomy typically costs $200-$400 per tooth without insurance. Many dental insurance plans cover it partially or fully when it is medically necessary (as opposed to purely cosmetic).