Gum inflammation and pain
Painful gum inflammation may come from plaque, trapped food, trauma, a gum abscess, or infection from a tooth.
The short answer
Gum inflammation with pain can result from plaque-related gingivitis, gum infection, food trapped under the gum, an ulcer, trauma, or infection from a tooth.
What is the direct answer?
The correct treatment depends on whether the problem is limited to the gingiva or extends into a periodontal pocket, tooth root, or jaw tissue.
What does this question mean?
Inflamed gingiva becomes swollen and tender as the immune response reacts to bacteria or injury. Pain near one tooth may instead arise from a periodontal abscess, a decayed pulp, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, or food compressed under the gum.
What can you do next?
Brush gently, clean between teeth, rinse with plain water, and avoid squeezing swelling or applying caustic substances. A dentist may remove plaque or tartar, flush a pocket, treat a tooth, drain an abscess, or prescribe medicine when clinically indicated.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for pus, a bad taste, fever, increasing swelling, a loose tooth, or pain that prevents eating. Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing requires urgent emergency assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Where is the inflammation located and is there a pocket or tooth infection? Ask what examination and radiographs show, which treatment addresses the cause, and how to prevent recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
Can gum inflammation cause tooth pain?
Inflamed gums can be tender, but sharp or lingering pain may indicate disease in the tooth or tissues around its root.
Will antibiotics alone fix painful gums?
They may be used for selected infections, but plaque removal, drainage, or treatment of the affected tooth may be needed to remove the source.