My gum has swollen
A swollen gum is usually a sign of local inflammation caused by plaque, food trapped near the gum, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection around a tooth.
Why has one area of your gum become swollen?
A swollen gum is usually a sign of local inflammation caused by plaque, food trapped near the gum, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection around a tooth.
What happens inside the gum when it enlarges?
The gum, or gingiva, can enlarge when its blood vessels and immune cells respond to irritation. A swelling may be beside one tooth, around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, or spread across several gum margins.
What can you do for a swollen gum today?
Gently brush the area, clean between the teeth if this is comfortable, rinse with warm water, and avoid squeezing the swelling. Note its location, duration, pain, bleeding, bad taste, and any fever.
When is swollen gum an urgent dental problem?
Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble swallowing or breathing. A localized swelling that persists also needs examination.
What could be causing the swelling around your tooth?
Ask whether the source is gum inflammation, a tooth infection, food impaction, or an erupting tooth, and whether an X-ray, cleaning, drainage, or tooth treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can swollen gums heal on their own?
Mild irritation may settle when plaque or trapped food is removed, but persistent or painful swelling can indicate a problem requiring treatment.
Why is there a bad taste?
Fluid from an inflamed gum pocket or draining abscess can produce a bad taste and needs dental assessment.
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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.