Gums in mouth swollen
A swollen area of gum can come from plaque, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection in the gum or a nearby tooth.
Why is one part of my gum swollen?
A swollen area of gum can come from plaque, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection in the gum or a nearby tooth.
Where in the mouth can gum swelling develop?
The gingiva may enlarge around one tooth, between teeth, behind a molar, or across a broader section of the mouth. Plaque-related gingivitis tends to affect the gum margin, while an abscess may form a focused lump near a tooth root or pocket.
How should I care for a swollen area of gum?
Clean gently with a soft brush and between the teeth, rinse with lukewarm water, and avoid squeezing the lump. A dentist may measure gum pockets, test the tooth, take an image, remove calculus, or treat decay or infection.
When should swelling inside my mouth be examined?
Arrange a dental examination when swelling lasts, returns, bleeds, or affects chewing. Fever, pus, facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires prompt care.
Which tooth or gum problem could be causing the swelling?
Ask which tooth or gum structure is involved and whether the cause is plaque, eruption, trauma, decay, or an abscess. Ask what treatment will remove the cause and what changes should prompt an earlier review.
Frequently asked questions
Can a swollen gum go away by itself?
Minor irritation may settle after its trigger is removed, but persistent or recurrent swelling needs a dental examination to identify the cause.
What does a gum abscess look like?
It may appear as a tender localized swelling or pimple near a tooth and can be accompanied by pain, pus, or a bad taste.
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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.