Sore gum above front tooth

A sore area above a front tooth can come from irritated gum, a tooth infection, trauma, or a blocked drainage tract and needs examination if it persists.

The tissue above an upper front tooth is attached gum over the tooth root and nearby bone. Tenderness may follow vigorous brushing, food injury, a canker-like ulcer, decay, a cracked tooth, or inflammation around the root.

Rinse gently with warm water, keep brushing with a soft brush, and avoid squeezing the area or placing aspirin on it. Note swelling, a pimple-like point, temperature sensitivity, biting pain, and any recent injury.

Arrange dental care if the soreness lasts, returns, or is joined by swelling, pus, a bad taste, fever, facial swelling, or pain when biting. Rapidly spreading swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent medical attention.

Ask whether the pulp and root tip are involved, whether an X-ray is indicated, and whether the finding is gum trauma, decay, a crack, or an abscess.