Gums can sometimes swell and start covering part of a tooth. This may happen between teeth, around braces, or near a wisdom tooth. The area may look puffy, bleed during brushing, trap food, or make teeth appear shorter than normal.
In many cases, early gum overgrowth can improve with better brushing along the gumline, daily flossing, saltwater rinses, and professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. More advanced cases may need treatment to remove excess gum tissue or address underlying problems like braces irritation, wisdom teeth, gum disease, or medication-related gingival hyperplasia.
Home Remedies & Professional Treatments to Stop Gums From Growing Over Teeth
Stopping gum overgrowth depends on what is causing the swelling in the first place. Mild inflammation from plaque buildup may improve with better brushing, flossing, saltwater rinses, and professional cleanings, while thicker gingival hyperplasia often needs dental treatment to remove excess tissue and control the underlying irritation.
Improve Cleaning Around the Gumline
A plaque sitting near the gums irritates the tissue and causes swelling. Brush gently twice daily using a soft toothbrush and clean carefully where the teeth and gums meet.
Floss daily because gum overgrowth often starts between teeth, where plaque stays trapped the longest. If you have braces, floss threaders or water flossers can help clean around brackets and wires more effectively.
Try Warm Salt Water Rinses
Warm saltwater rinses may help calm irritated gums temporarily and keep swollen areas cleaner. This can help when mild gum swelling is caused by trapped food or plaque buildup near the gumline.
Use Alcohol Free Antibacterial Mouth Rinses
Alcohol free antibacterial rinses may help reduce bacteria without irritating sensitive gum tissue further. Strong alcohol based rinses can sometimes make swollen gums feel more irritated or dry.
Reduce Irritation That Triggers Gum Swelling
Staying hydrated, reducing sugary foods, and avoiding smoking may help lower ongoing gum irritation. These habits can make it easier for swollen gums to recover.
Understand the Limits of Home Remedies
Home remedies may reduce mild inflammation, but they usually cannot remove thick excess gum tissue permanently. Gum overgrowth that continues getting larger often needs professional treatment.
Get a Professional Dental Cleaning
Tartar below the gums cannot be removed with brushing alone. Professional cleanings remove hardened buildup that keeps the gums swollen and enlarged.
Many mild cases improve after the gums are cleaned properly. If swelling is more advanced, deep cleaning treatment may be recommended to remove bacteria below the gumline.
Treat Wisdom Tooth or Braces Related Gum Overgrowth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth often develop a flap of gum tissue over the tooth. Food and bacteria collect underneath, causing swelling and repeated irritation.
Braces can create similar problems because plaque collects easily around brackets and wires. Recurring swelling around wisdom teeth or orthodontic appliances usually needs professional evaluation.
Review Medications Linked to Gingival Hyperplasia
Some medications can cause gum enlargement as a side effect. Common examples include phenytoin, cyclosporine, and certain blood pressure medications.
Medication-related gum overgrowth often feels thicker and firmer than regular swollen gums. Never stop prescription medication without medical guidance.
Remove Excess Gum Tissue if Needed
When gums physically cover teeth, dentists may recommend gingivectomy or laser gum contouring to remove excess tissue. This helps restore the natural gumline, improves cleaning access, and reduces food trapping around teeth.
Why Are My Gums Growing Over My Teeth?
Common causes include:
- Plaque buildup and gingivitis – most frequent trigger, often starting near the gumline or between teeth
- Gum disease – prolonged inflammation causes tissue to thicken and expand
- Braces – harder to clean around, leading to irritation and overgrowth
- Wisdom teeth – partially erupted teeth push gum tissue upward
- Medication side effects – some blood pressure and seizure medications cause overgrowth
- Hormonal changes – pregnancy and puberty make gums more prone to swelling
- Poor oral hygiene – plaque accumulates and irritates gum tissue over time
When to See a Dentist
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- gums covering teeth
- bleeding that does not improve
- pain near a back tooth
- pus or infection
- bad breath
- swollen gums around braces
- gum tissue continuing to grow
Early treatment is important because mild gum inflammation is easier to control before thicker overgrowth develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gums grow over teeth permanently?
Yes. Mild swelling can shrink once inflammation is controlled, but thick gingival hyperplasia may not go away on its own. If gum tissue keeps covering the tooth, a dentist may need to remove excess tissue and treat the cause behind it.
Can swollen gums cover a tooth?
Yes. Swollen gums can partially cover a tooth when the tissue becomes inflamed or enlarged. This often happens between teeth, around molars, near wisdom teeth, or around braces where plaque and food collect easily.
Why is my gum growing over my back tooth?
A gum flap over a back tooth is often linked to a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria can get trapped under the tissue, which may cause swelling, soreness, bad breath, or infection. Recurring swelling in that area should be checked.
Can braces cause gums to grow over teeth?
Yes. Braces make it easier for plaque to collect around brackets and wires. If the gums stay irritated, they can become puffy and start growing between teeth or around the brackets. Better cleaning tools and professional cleaning usually help control it.
Will brushing fix gingival hyperplasia?
Brushing can help if the problem is mild gum swelling from plaque. It will not fully fix thick gum overgrowth, medication related gingival hyperplasia, or tissue that already covers part of the tooth. Those cases usually need dental treatment.