Back bottom gum swollen
Swelling behind a lower molar may involve an erupting wisdom tooth, trapped food, gum inflammation, an abscess or irritation from biting.
What is the direct answer?
Swelling behind a lower molar may involve an erupting wisdom tooth, trapped food, gum inflammation, an abscess or irritation from biting.
What does this question mean?
The back lower gum lies over and behind the mandibular molars. A partly erupted third molar can leave a flap of gum where plaque and food collect, while infection can also begin in the tooth, its root or the surrounding periodontal tissues.
What can you do next?
Clean gently with a small soft brush and rinse with water after meals. Do not place aspirin or caustic substances on the gum, and do not press a lump to make it drain.
When should you seek dental care?
Book dental care promptly if swelling persists, recurs or is painful. Fever, facial enlargement, pus, reduced opening, swallowing trouble or breathing trouble raises the urgency.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the wisdom tooth is erupting, whether the lower molar has decay or a root infection, which image is needed and whether cleaning, restoration, drainage or removal is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Could this be caused by something else?
Yes. The appearance and timing can overlap, so examination identifies the tissue and mechanism involved.
What information helps at an appointment?
Describe when it began, what triggers it, what products or medicines you use and any change in pain or swelling.