Gum swelling and pain
Painful gum swelling can result from plaque inflammation, a trapped irritant, periodontal infection, or infection arising from a tooth.
What is the direct answer?
Painful gum swelling can result from plaque inflammation, a trapped irritant, periodontal infection, or infection arising from a tooth.
What does this question mean?
Gingiva can swell when bacterial plaque irritates the tissue, when a periodontal pocket becomes infected, or when inflammation tracks from an infected pulp toward the gum.
What can you do next?
Brush gently, clean between teeth without forcing into the swelling, rinse with water, and do not cut, squeeze, or burn the area.
When should you seek dental care?
Get urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening illness, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the source is the gum pocket, tooth pulp, impacted tooth, trauma, or another oral tissue, and what examination or imaging is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pop a gum swelling?
No. Cutting or squeezing it can injure tissue without treating the underlying source.
Why does a swollen gum hurt near one tooth?
A pocket, trapped food, trauma, or infection in that tooth can localize inflammation.