Gum eez thru
If the gum seems to be growing through, covering, or separating around a tooth, the cause may be inflammation, an erupting tooth, trauma, or an overgrown.
The short answer
If the gum seems to be growing through, covering, or separating around a tooth, the cause may be inflammation, an erupting tooth, trauma, or an overgrown tissue area.
What can cause swelling or changes in the gum contour?
Gum tissue can swell when plaque accumulates, and an erupting wisdom tooth can leave a flap that traps food. A sharp tooth edge, appliance, burn, or medication-related enlargement can also change the gum contour.
How can you care for gum tissue that seems to be growing?
Brush gently along the gumline, clean between teeth, and avoid cutting or pulling the tissue. Note when it began, whether it bleeds, and whether a tooth is erupting or an appliance is rubbing.
When does changing gum tissue need dental assessment?
Arrange dental care for a new lump, persistent swelling, bleeding, pus, bad taste, pain, or a change that does not settle. Facial swelling, fever, or swallowing or breathing difficulty is urgent.
What should you ask about a new or swollen gum area?
Ask what structure is changing, whether an examination or X-ray is needed, and whether cleaning, treatment of an erupting tooth, or gum care will resolve it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know?
If the gum seems to be growing through, covering, or separating around a tooth, the cause may be inflammation, an erupting tooth, trauma, or an overgrown tissue area.
What should I do if it continues?
Arrange dental care for a new lump, persistent swelling, bleeding, pus, bad taste, pain, or a change that does not settle. Facial swelling, fever, or swallowing or breathing difficulty is urgent.
Keep reading
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.