What causes swollen gums?

Gum swelling is usually caused by a variety of factors, primarily the following: 1. Poor lifestyle habits: Consuming spicy or irritating foods, or excessive alcohol intake leading to "heatiness" in the body, may trigger gum swelling and pain. Additionally, failure to rinse the mouth or brush teeth regularly after meals can result in food impaction, which may exacerbate gum swelling. 2. Oral diseases: Various oral conditions—such as wisdom tooth eruption, apical periodontitis, acute gingivitis, periodontal abscess, and pericoronitis of wisdom teeth—can directly cause gum swelling. These conditions may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain and bleeding, and may affect the health of surrounding teeth. 3. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B, or folic acid may lead to gingival overgrowth, thickening, and bleeding. 4. Traumatic factors: Eating nuts or shellfish may injure the gums, subsequently causing swelling. It is recommended to maintain regular oral hygiene and seek timely medical evaluation. Targeted treatment should be administered based on the specific underlying cause.