Bottom left gum swollen

A swollen gum near a lower-left tooth can reflect plaque irritation, trapped food, trauma, or an infection needing examination.

The gum is inflamed tissue around a tooth, not a diagnosis by itself. Redness, tenderness, bleeding, a lump, or pus may arise from gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, a cavity, a cracked tooth, or an erupting molar.

Clean gently with a soft brush and floss or use an interdental brush to remove trapped food. Rinse with warm water, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use only pain medicine suitable for your health and labelled directions.

Book a dental examination if swelling persists, recurs, bleeds easily, or is linked with tooth sensitivity or pain. Urgent care is needed for spreading facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Ask which tooth or gum structure is involved, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether the cause is plaque, decay, a crack, or an abscess. Ask how to clean the area and what treatment will remove the cause.