Gums at back of mouth swollen

Swelling near the back teeth often comes from gum inflammation, food trapping, or an erupting wisdom tooth and needs examination if persistent.

The swollen area may be the gum behind a molar or around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Plaque and trapped food can irritate the tissue, while decay, a gum pocket, trauma, or an abscess can create similar swelling.

Brush gently around the area and rinse with warm water to remove loose food without poking the gum. Arrange an examination rather than squeezing the swelling, because treatment may require cleaning, an X-ray, drainage, or management of the wisdom tooth.

Seek prompt care for increasing pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble swallowing. Breathing difficulty or swelling spreading toward the neck requires emergency medical attention.

Ask whether the swelling is around a wisdom tooth, a gum pocket, or an infected tooth, and whether imaging is needed. Ask what can settle it today and whether the underlying tooth needs cleaning, restoration, root canal treatment, or removal.