Back of teeth swollen
Swelling behind the back teeth can come from gum inflammation, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, food trapping, decay, or infection around a tooth.
The short answer
The tissue behind a back molar may be the gum over or around a partially erupted third molar, the cheek-side gum, or a swelling from the tooth root. Its location and appearance help narrow the cause.
What conditions can cause swelling behind back teeth?
Common causes include pericoronitis around a wisdom tooth, plaque-related gum inflammation, trapped food, decay, a cracked tooth, and an abscess. A tender lump can also arise from trauma or a blocked salivary structure.
How should you care for swelling behind a molar?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean with a small soft brush, and avoid squeezing the swelling or placing aspirin on the gum. Use only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its label.
When does swelling behind a tooth need dental care?
Arrange dental care promptly for swelling that lasts, returns, causes pain, bad taste, fever, facial swelling, or limits opening. Emergency assessment is needed for trouble breathing or swallowing or rapidly spreading facial swelling.
What could be responsible for swelling behind the tooth?
Ask whether a wisdom tooth, gum pocket, cavity, crack, or root infection is responsible. Ask whether cleaning, drainage, filling, root-canal treatment, or removal is indicated and what imaging shows.
Frequently asked questions
Can food cause this swelling?
Food trapped under a gum flap or between teeth can inflame tissue, but recurring swelling needs assessment for a deeper cause.
Should a swollen gum be popped?
No. Squeezing can injure tissue and spread contamination; dental treatment addresses the source instead.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.