Lower gum inflammation
Inflammation in the lower gum commonly comes from plaque or calculus, but a local tooth problem or irritation can cause it too.
The short answer
Lower gum inflammation is swelling and irritation of the gingiva around the lower teeth, most often from plaque and calculus but sometimes from a local tooth, restoration, or injury.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The lower front teeth collect plaque near the tongue-side gumline, while food trapping can affect the back teeth. Redness, puffiness, bleeding, tenderness, recession, or a small abscess-like swelling can each point to different tissues.
What can you do next?
Brush the tongue-side and cheek-side gumlines gently, clean between the affected teeth, and avoid squeezing a lump. A professional examination may include periodontal probing, calculus removal, a vitality test, and a radiograph if a tooth infection is suspected.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange care if the swelling lasts, bleeds repeatedly, hurts, or is limited to one tooth. Seek urgent help for spreading facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a tooth that becomes suddenly loose.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the inflammation is gingivitis, periodontal disease, a trapped-food injury, or an infection from a tooth. Ask whether the lower teeth need scaling, a filling, root canal treatment, or another focused procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Why is only one lower gum swollen?
A single swollen site may reflect food trapping, calculus, a sharp restoration, a gum pocket, or infection from the adjacent tooth.
Can salt water remove the cause?
A rinse may soothe irritated tissue, but it cannot remove calculus or treat decay and infection inside a tooth.