Swollen gums can b caused by infections unrelated 2 teeth, allergies & bad nutrition. If left 2 grow unabated it will initially cause swollen gums. plaque can also form a harder film called tartar..

problem can b exacerbated by smoking or by other habits promoting growth of bacteria.
http://tinyurl.com/66xnkf

Yes.Smoking can also make gum disease worse.Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream,

so the infected gums fail to heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and for gum disease to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers.