Gum feels swollen around tooth
Swelling around one tooth often comes from irritated gum tissue, trapped plaque, decay, or an infection near the tooth root.
The short answer
Swelling around one tooth often comes from irritated gum tissue, trapped plaque, decay, or an infection near the tooth root. The cause cannot be identified from swelling alone, so the tooth and surrounding gum need an examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swollen area may be the gum beside the crown, a small abscess in the gum, or tissue over a partly erupted tooth. Tenderness, bleeding, bad taste, pain on biting, or sensitivity can help distinguish gum inflammation from a deeper tooth problem.
What can you do next?
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Rinse with lukewarm salt water, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use only pain medicine that is suitable for you according to its label or a pharmacist.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange a dental examination if the swelling lasts, returns, or is accompanied by toothache, pus, fever, or pain when biting. Seek urgent care if swelling spreads into the face or neck, or if breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth becomes difficult.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or coming from the tooth, whether an X-ray is needed, and which treatment addresses the cause. Also ask what signs would mean the infection is spreading.
Frequently asked questions
Can a swollen gum around one tooth go away by itself?
Mild irritation may settle after careful cleaning, but persistent or recurring swelling needs assessment because decay or an abscess requires treatment.
Why is the swelling painless?
A dental infection or gum pocket can sometimes drain or develop with little pain, so lack of pain does not identify the cause.