Gum around my tooth is swollen
A swollen gum around one tooth commonly reflects trapped plaque, local trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
The short answer
A swollen gum around one tooth commonly reflects trapped plaque, local trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues. The tissue may be enlarged because the gingiva is inflamed, a food fragment is wedged beneath its edge, or an abscess is draining near the root. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can also inflame the flap over it.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The tissue may be enlarged because the gingiva is inflamed, a food fragment is wedged beneath its edge, or an abscess is draining near the root. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can also inflame the flap over it.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently, brush the tooth and gumline, and clean between the teeth without forcing an object into the swelling. Do not squeeze it or place heat directly on the face.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange prompt care when swelling persists, hurts on biting, produces a bad taste, or is joined by fever. Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth requires urgent help.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the source is the gum, the tooth pulp, the root tip, or a partially erupted tooth. Ask whether probing, a vitality test, cleaning, drainage, or an X-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important next step?
Ask whether the source is the gum, the tooth pulp, the root tip, or a partially erupted tooth. Ask whether probing, a vitality test, cleaning, drainage, or an X-ray is needed.
When should this be treated urgently?
Arrange prompt care when swelling persists, hurts on biting, produces a bad taste, or is joined by fever. Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth requires urgent help.