Back gums swollen and painful
Swollen painful gum at the back of the mouth often needs an examination for wisdom-tooth inflammation, trapped food, decay, or infection.
The short answer
The direct answer is that swollen, painful back gum needs gentle cleaning and dental assessment because inflammation around a wisdom tooth, decay, or an abscess can require treatment.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Back gum swelling is inflammation of the gingiva over or beside a molar, often the third molar. Tenderness can result when plaque, food, or bacteria irritate a gum flap, or when infection affects the tooth or surrounding tissues.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, brush the area with a soft toothbrush, and use an over-the-counter pain medicine only as its label permits. Do not cut the gum, squeeze a swelling, or place aspirin or concentrated chemicals on it.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing or breathing, or pain that is worsening. Arrange an examination promptly if the swelling lasts, returns, or is associated with a partly erupted tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is around a wisdom tooth, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether the cause is gum inflammation, decay, or an abscess.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care solve the problem?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, brush the area with a soft toothbrush, and use an over-the-counter pain medicine only as its label permits.
What will a dentist check?
Ask whether the swelling is around a wisdom tooth, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether the cause is gum inflammation, decay, or an abscess.