Gums behind molars swollen

Swelling behind a molar can come from trapped food, gum inflammation, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, or infection near the tooth.

The answer depends on the clinical finding and the treatment that addresses it.

The tissue behind the last molar may be the gum over a wisdom tooth, the retromolar pad, or inflamed tissue beside a molar. A flap over a partly erupted tooth can trap plaque and food, allowing bacteria to inflame the gum, a condition called pericoronitis.

Rinse gently with warm salt water, brush the area carefully with a small-headed brush, and remove food debris without cutting or scraping the gum. Do not place aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the tissue, and use pain medicine only as directed on its label if appropriate for you.

Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing. Arrange an examination when swelling lasts, returns, produces a bad taste, or is linked to pain when biting.

Ask whether a wisdom tooth, gum pocket, decay, or an abscess is causing the swelling. Ask whether cleaning, drainage, restoration, gum treatment, or removal of a problematic tooth is needed.