Gums under teeth swollen

Swollen gum beneath a tooth may result from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.

Gingiva surrounds the tooth and is supported by the periodontal ligament and jawbone. A local lump may be irritated gum, a periodontal pocket, a draining abscess, or pressure from an erupting tooth.

Brush gently, clean between teeth, and rinse with warm salt water if soothing. Avoid sharp objects and placing aspirin directly on the gum.

Arrange prompt care for pain on biting, pus, bad taste, fever, a loose tooth, or increasing swelling. Facial swelling or breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.

Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or comes from the pulp, and whether probing, X-rays, drainage, a filling, root canal, extraction, or gum treatment is needed.