The sensation of “squishy” or “spongy” gums indicates the tissue is swollen and inflamed. Healthy gums are firm and resilient, so a soft, fluid-filled texture signals an underlying issue requiring attention. This change is typically the result of an inflammatory process where fluid and immune cells rush to fight an irritant. Determining the cause often relates to bacterial presence or a systemic health factor.
What Healthy Gum Tissue Looks Like
Healthy gum tissue provides a firm, protective barrier around the teeth and underlying bone. The normal color is a uniform coral pink, though this can vary depending on a person’s natural pigmentation. When touched, healthy gums feel tight and resilient, conforming snugly to the neck of each tooth.
The margin where the gum meets the tooth should be thin and knife-edged, without puffiness or noticeable gaps. A healthy texture often includes a stippled or “orange-peel” appearance. Healthy gums do not bleed spontaneously or when gently brushed and flossed.
Primary Causes of Squishy Gums: Infection and Inflammation
The most common reason gums become soft and spongy is the body’s inflammatory response to bacterial plaque accumulating near the gum line. This condition, known as gingivitis, is the earliest stage of gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into calculus or tartar.
The toxins released by these bacteria irritate the gum tissue, triggering an immune reaction. This reaction causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to an influx of fluid and inflammatory cells that make the gums appear red, swollen, and soft. Gingivitis is often reversible with improved daily cleaning and professional care, as it does not yet involve the loss of supporting bone.
If inflammation persists, the condition can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. Chronic swelling and infection lead to the breakdown of tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The spongy texture is more pronounced, and the gums may pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. While this process is not reversible, its progression can be halted with specialized treatment.
Systemic and Non-Infection Related Triggers
Gum sponginess can also be a sign of systemic conditions or reactions not directly caused by localized plaque buildup alone.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are a frequent trigger, particularly in women during periods like puberty, pregnancy, or the menstrual cycle. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the gum tissue, making the gums overly sensitive and causing an exaggerated inflammatory response to even minor amounts of plaque.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause the gums to enlarge and feel soft, a condition known as drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Examples include the anti-seizure drug phenytoin and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. These drugs interfere with the natural metabolism of gingival cells, leading to an overproduction of collagen and connective tissue. This overproduction causes the gums to swell and become fibrous.
Nutritional Deficiencies
In rare cases, severe nutritional deficiencies can lead to spongy gums, most notably a lack of Vitamin C, which causes scurvy. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides structural integrity to the gum tissue. Without adequate Vitamin C, the collagen breaks down, resulting in gums that are swollen, tender, bleed easily, and have a soft consistency.
Treatment and When to See a Dentist
Resolution of squishy gums requires meticulous oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once a day to remove bacterial irritants. Using a soft-bristled brush and proper technique is important to clean effectively without causing trauma. Rinsing with warm salt water can also provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.
If sponginess is caused by established gum disease, professional intervention is necessary to remove hardened tartar. This involves scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure. A dental professional removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing then smooths the tooth root surfaces, discouraging future bacterial adhesion and allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach more firmly.
Seek non-urgent dental care if the sponginess lasts longer than a few days or if you notice persistent bleeding. Immediate attention is warranted if swelling is accompanied by severe, throbbing pain, a fever, or if the swelling spreads to the face or jaw. These symptoms can indicate a serious infection, such as a dental abscess, requiring prompt treatment.