Inflamed gums at the back
Inflamed gums at the back often involve plaque around a molar, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, trapped food, or infection.
What can inflame the gums at the back of your mouth?
Inflamed gums at the back often involve plaque around a molar, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, trapped food, or infection.
What does inflammation at the back of the mouth involve?
The back gum includes tissue around the second molars and any wisdom tooth. Its folds and limited access can retain plaque or food, while a partially erupted tooth can develop pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum flap over the crown.
How can you clean inflamed gums at the back?
Brush gently with a small-headed brush and clean between teeth without forcing objects under the gum flap. A dentist may irrigate the area, remove a food trap, treat decay or periodontal deposits, and assess the wisdom tooth with an X-ray.
When do inflamed back gums need dental care?
Arrange care if soreness, swelling, bad taste, limited mouth opening, or repeated episodes occur. Fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing is urgent.
What should the dentist check behind the back teeth?
Is a wisdom tooth partly covered by gum, and is there decay, a deep pocket, or an opposing tooth irritating the area?
Frequently asked questions
Could inflamed gums at the back have more than one cause?
Yes. The same symptom or product question can reflect different anatomy, materials, or treatment needs, so the examination focuses on the specific cause.
What information helps the dentist decide?
The timing, location, triggers, medicines, previous dental work, and changes in pain or swelling help guide the clinical examination.
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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.