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.
What is the direct answer?
A swollen area of gum can come from plaque, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection in the gum or a nearby tooth.
What does this question mean?
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.
What can you do next?
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 you seek dental care?
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.
What should you ask the dentist?
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.