Gum puffy around tooth
A puffy gum around one tooth may reflect plaque, trapped food, trauma, decay, or infection.
The short answer
A puffy gum around one tooth can result from plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped at the gum margin, trauma, decay, or infection from the tooth or its root. The cause cannot be identified reliably from swelling alone.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The tissue around the tooth includes the marginal gingiva and the periodontal attachment; inflammation causes fluid and immune cells to collect there. A tooth-root infection may create a local gum swelling, while a partially erupted wisdom tooth can inflame the surrounding flap.
What can you do next?
Brush and clean between the teeth gently, rinse with lukewarm salt water if comfortable, and avoid squeezing the swelling. A dentist may examine the gum pocket, test the tooth pulp, take a radiograph, remove trapped calculus or food, and provide drainage or tooth treatment when indicated.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for worsening swelling, throbbing pain, fever, pus, facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth. Immediate help is needed for breathing or swallowing difficulty.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or coming from the tooth, whether a radiograph is needed, and what treatment will prevent recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
Could this have more than one cause?
The tissue around the tooth includes the marginal gingiva and the periodontal attachment; inflammation causes fluid and immune cells to collect there. A tooth-root infection may create a local gum swelling, while a partially erupted wisdom tooth can inflame the surrounding flap.
What is the first practical step?
Brush and clean between the teeth gently, rinse with lukewarm salt water if comfortable, and avoid squeezing the swelling. A dentist may examine the gum pocket, test the tooth pulp, take a radiograph, remove trapped calculus or food, and provide drainage or tooth treatment when indicated.