Red sore gums above teeth

Red, sore gums above teeth often reflect gingival inflammation, although trauma, food impaction, ulcers, and infection can look similar.

Plaque can make gingiva red, swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding; a single painful spot may instead be trauma or an abscess.

Brush gently at the gumline, clean between teeth, and avoid tobacco and irritating foods while it settles.

Arrange care for persistent redness, heavy bleeding, pus, tooth pain, fever, ulceration, or facial swelling.

Ask whether the finding is gingivitis, trauma, an ulcer, or tooth infection.