The gum around my tooth hurts

Pain around one tooth may come from inflamed gum, trapped food, trauma, decay, or an infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.

The gum is the gingiva that seals around the tooth and covers the supporting bone. Pain can start in the gingival margin, a periodontal pocket, an erupting wisdom tooth, or the dental pulp and be felt as if it comes from the gum.

The gum is the gingiva that seals around the tooth and covers the supporting bone. Pain can start in the gingival margin, a periodontal pocket, an erupting wisdom tooth, or the dental pulp and be felt as if it comes from the gum.

The same symptom can have different causes, so its location, timing, appearance, and associated signs guide diagnosis.

Rinse gently, brush the area with a soft brush, clean between the teeth if this does not worsen pain, avoid chewing on that side, and use suitable labelled pain relief.

Keep the area clean and avoid products or techniques that irritate oral tissues.

Seek prompt care for swelling, fever, pus, a bad taste, pain on biting, a loose tooth, facial swelling, or symptoms lasting beyond a brief irritation.

A dentist can examine the tissues, test the tooth, and choose treatment based on the finding.

Ask what is causing the symptom, which examination or tests are needed, and what treatment addresses that cause.

Ask what can be done now and how to prevent the same problem from returning.