Molar gum swelling

Swelling beside a molar may come from trapped food, gum disease, decay, a cracked tooth, or a partly erupted wisdom tooth.

Molars have broad chewing surfaces and roots that trap plaque or food. A wisdom-tooth gum flap, decay, crack, or abscess can swell nearby tissue.

Brush the molar and gumline carefully and clean between teeth if tolerable. Do not place aspirin or caustic substances on the gum or puncture the swelling.

Seek prompt care for persistent swelling, drainage, throbbing pain, difficult biting, or limited opening. Fever, facial swelling, or swallowing or breathing difficulty is urgent.

Ask whether the source is the gum, molar pulp, root, or wisdom-tooth flap, and whether x-rays, drainage, root canal, extraction, or restoration is needed.