Back gum swollen and hurts
Painful swelling behind a back tooth may come from gum inflammation, trapped food, eruption, decay, or an abscess.
The short answer
Painful swelling behind a back tooth can result from trapped food, gum inflammation, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, decay, or an infection around the tooth. The location and cause cannot be confirmed from symptoms alone because gum and tooth pain can overlap.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The area behind a molar may contain the gum flap over an erupting third molar, the distal gum pocket of the second molar, or the lining of the cheek. Swelling there can trap plaque and bacteria or reflect inflammation inside the tooth.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, brush the accessible surfaces, and clean between the back teeth without forcing an object into the swollen area. Use an over-the-counter pain medicine only if it is suitable for you and follow its label; do not place aspirin on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange a dental examination promptly when swelling or pain persists, returns, or affects chewing. Seek emergency help for facial or neck swelling, fever with worsening dental pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or inability to open the mouth normally.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is around an erupting wisdom tooth, a gum pocket, or a decayed tooth, and whether an X-ray is needed. Ask which treatment removes the cause, such as cleaning, a filling, root-canal treatment, extraction, or gum care.
Frequently asked questions
Could a wisdom tooth cause swelling behind the molar?
Yes. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can leave a gum flap where plaque and food collect, causing localized inflammation and pain.
Will salt water cure the swelling?
A gentle rinse may soothe irritated tissue and remove debris, but it does not treat decay, an abscess, or a persistent gum pocket.