I have a swelling on my gum
A gum swelling can reflect irritation, inflammation, infection, trauma, or an erupting tooth and should be examined if persistent.
The short answer
A gum swelling is usually a localized change in gum tissue caused by irritation, plaque-related inflammation, infection, trauma, or an erupting tooth, and its cause needs an examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swelling may sit beside one tooth, around several teeth, or over a partially erupted tooth. A dental exam may include probing the gum, testing the tooth, checking for drainage, and taking an X-ray when a root or bone problem is suspected.
What can you do next?
Keep the area clean with a soft brush, rinse gently with warm salt water, and avoid squeezing or piercing the lump. Arrange an appointment promptly so a dentist can treat the source rather than only the swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or trouble opening the mouth. A lump that persists or returns also needs assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling comes from the gum, tooth root, periodontal pocket, or erupting tooth, and whether you need an X-ray, drainage, cleaning, filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I manage this at home?
Keep the area clean with a soft brush, rinse gently with warm salt water, and avoid squeezing or piercing the lump. Arrange an appointment promptly so a dentist can treat the source rather than only the swelling.
What happens at the dental visit?
Ask whether the swelling comes from the gum, tooth root, periodontal pocket, or erupting tooth, and whether you need an X-ray, drainage, cleaning, filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.