Inflamed gum in back of mouth
Inflammation at the back of the mouth may come from plaque, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, trauma, or infection around a tooth.
The short answer
Tissue behind the last molar can swell when plaque, trapped food, a cheek bite, decay, or a partially erupted wisdom tooth irritates it.
How can you care for an irritated gum at the back of your mouth?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, brush reachable surfaces, and do not puncture the swelling or place aspirin or concentrated peroxide on it.
Which symptoms from a swollen back gum need prompt care?
Arrange prompt care for worsening pain, pus, foul taste, fever, facial swelling, limited opening, or difficulty swallowing.
Could the swelling be pericoronitis, decay, trauma, or an abscess?
Ask whether the cause is pericoronitis, gingivitis, decay, trauma, or an abscess, and whether cleaning, drainage, restoration, or extraction is needed.
Why can a gum flap trap food around a wisdom tooth?
A gum flap can trap food around a wisdom tooth.
Frequently asked questions
No. Puncturing it can spread infection and injure tissue.
Why does a wisdom tooth make the back gum swell?
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.