Are your gums looking swollen? Red? Puffy? If so, you’re probably wondering whether this should be cause for concern. Inflammation is a rather common symptom for many different medical problems, after all, and it can be hard to tell when it’s an emergency-worthy situation.

Below, you’ll find several possible causes of your inflamed gums. Regardless of what seems more similar to what you’re experiencing, though, you should call your periodontist, just in case!