Infected gum around tooth
A swollen or draining gum around one tooth can come from plaque-related gum inflammation, trapped food, decay, or an infection at the tooth root and n
The short answer
A swollen or draining gum around one tooth can come from plaque-related gum inflammation, trapped food, decay, or an infection at the tooth root and needs an examination to identify the source.
How can gum swelling differ from an abscess at the tooth root?
“Infected gum” describes inflamed gingival tissue, but a small pimple, pus, bad taste, or tenderness can also indicate an abscess in the gum or around the root. The tooth may need tests and an X-ray to distinguish a gum pocket from pulp infection.
What can you do while waiting for an examination?
Rinse gently with warm water, brush with a soft brush, and clean between the teeth without forcing an object into the swelling. Do not squeeze it or place aspirin on the gum; arrange a dental assessment because drainage alone does not remove the cause.
When does a swollen gum around a tooth need urgent care?
Get urgent care for fever, facial swelling, worsening pain, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing. Even if the swelling drains and feels better, book dental care promptly because the infection can persist inside the tooth or supporting tissues.
How can your dentist identify the source of the swelling?
Ask whether the source is the gum, the pulp, or a wisdom-tooth area, what the X-ray shows, and whether treatment involves cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
What could cause swelling or drainage around one tooth?
A swollen or draining gum around one tooth can come from plaque-related gum inflammation, trapped food, decay, or an infection at the tooth root and needs an examination to identify the source.
What does the examination clarify?
“Infected gum” describes inflamed gingival tissue, but a small pimple, pus, bad taste, or tenderness can also indicate an abscess in the gum or around the root. The tooth may need tests and an X-ray to distinguish a gum pocket from pulp infection.
What should be discussed at the visit?
Ask whether the source is the gum, the pulp, or a wisdom-tooth area, what the X-ray shows, and whether treatment involves cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction.
Keep reading
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.