Manda,
The reasons for the gum problems can be addressed later.

Please call your dentist asap. This is nothing to put on hold.
Speaking from my own experience, and in no way do I imply this is true of you, but I had the same symptoms and it was an infection...two weeks of antibiotics cleared it up.
Inflammation and infection in your gums can allow bacteria to travel into other parts of your body.

After my infection was gone, I had a deep cleaning down. It rid my mouth of the plaque, but also the bits of decomposing food trapped in the pockets around the teeth.
I was surprised at how much better I felt in general...

I'm truly not trying to scare you, but I would be remiss if I didn't share what happened to me.

Listerine is also helpful, but at this point warm saltwater may help draw out more debris in your mouth.
1 teaspoon to 8 oz of water...

If you don't have a dentist, please contact your physician and see if he will prescribe antibiotics until you find a dentist.

Best wishes,
Cap