Painful swollen gum around one tooth
A swollen gum beside one tooth can come from trapped plaque, gum infection, decay, or an abscess needing prompt assessment.
The short answer
A painful swollen gum beside one tooth can result from trapped plaque, gum infection, decay, a cracked tooth, or an abscess. The cause cannot be confirmed from swelling alone because the source may be in the gum, tooth pulp, or bone.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swelling is localized inflammation in the soft tissue around a tooth. A dentist checks the gum pocket, tooth surface, bite, pulp response, and nearby bone to distinguish irritation from infection.
What can you do next?
Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth if it does not cause severe pain, and rinse with warm water. Do not puncture the swelling or place aspirin directly on the gum, and arrange an examination because home care cannot drain a dental abscess or repair decay.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange prompt dental care for persistent swelling, toothache, pus, fever, a bad taste, or pain when biting. Seek urgent help for facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is periodontal, endodontic, or related to a cracked tooth, and whether an X-ray or pulp test is needed. Ask which treatment addresses the source, such as cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gum boil always an abscess?
A bump may be an abscess, but examination and sometimes imaging are needed to identify its source.
Will brushing make the swelling worse?
Gentle cleaning usually helps remove plaque, but avoid forceful pressure over very tender tissue.