Gums under teeth swollen
Swollen gum beneath a tooth may result from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
Why is the gum beneath my tooth swollen?
Swollen gum beneath a tooth may result from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
What tissues support the gum around a tooth?
Gingiva surrounds the tooth and is supported by the periodontal ligament and jawbone. A local lump may be irritated gum, a periodontal pocket, a draining abscess, or pressure from an erupting tooth.
How should I clean beneath a swollen tooth?
Brush gently, clean between teeth, and rinse with warm salt water if soothing. Avoid sharp objects and placing aspirin directly on the gum.
When does swelling beneath a tooth need prompt care?
Arrange prompt care for pain on biting, pus, bad taste, fever, a loose tooth, or increasing swelling. Facial swelling or breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.
Is the swelling in my gum or inside the tooth?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or comes from the pulp, and whether probing, X-rays, drainage, a filling, root canal, extraction, or gum treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What can cause the gum beneath a tooth to swell?
Swollen gum beneath a tooth may result from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, decay, or infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
What should I do now?
Brush gently, clean between teeth, and rinse with warm salt water if soothing. Avoid sharp objects and placing aspirin directly on the gum.
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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.