I have a sore on my upper gum

An upper-gum sore may be trauma, an ulcer, a draining tooth infection, or irritation, so its appearance and duration matter.

A sore can be a shallow ulcer, a cut from food or brushing, a burn, a blister, or a small swelling beside a tooth. A pimple-like bump that drains may come from infection in the tooth or gum rather than a simple ulcer.

Rinse gently with water, avoid spicy or sharp foods, and use a soft toothbrush around the area. Do not pop, scrape, or apply household chemicals to the sore; record its size, colour, pain, and any tooth sensitivity.

See a dentist if the sore persists, returns, enlarges, bleeds easily, or is associated with tooth pain, swelling, pus, fever, or a neck lump. Urgent care is needed for facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether the lesion is an ulcer, trauma, gum abscess, or tooth abscess, and whether the nearby tooth needs pulp testing or an x-ray. Ask what treatment and mouth-care changes will help it heal.