Painful swelling in gum
A painful gum swelling can be caused by an abscess, gum infection, trapped food, trauma, or an erupting tooth and needs assessment.
What is the direct answer?
A painful gum swelling can be caused by an abscess, gum infection, trapped food, trauma, or an erupting tooth and needs assessment.
What does this question mean?
A cavity or crack can let bacteria reach the pulp and form an abscess near the root. Plaque disease, trapped food, trauma, or a wisdom-tooth area can look similar.
What can you do next?
Rinse with warm water, clean gently, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use suitable pain relief according to the label.
When should you seek dental care?
Facial or neck swelling, fever, worsening pain, swallowing, breathing, or opening difficulty needs urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in gum or root tissue and whether drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, or gum care is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point to remember?
A painful gum swelling can be caused by an abscess, gum infection, trapped food, trauma, or an erupting tooth and needs assessment.
What information helps at an appointment?
Note the trigger, duration, location, and any swelling, bleeding, fever, or change in function.