Sore red gum above tooth

A sore red gum above one tooth may reflect plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, or infection from the tooth or surrounding tissues.

The gum above a tooth contains epithelium, connective tissue, blood vessels, and periodontal attachment; redness and tenderness show irritation but do not identify its cause alone. A clinical examination separates these possibilities.

Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between the teeth, rinse with plain water, and avoid picking or squeezing the area while noting swelling, drainage, pain, and duration. Arrange an examination if the problem persists or worsens.

Book a dental examination if redness persists, recurs, bleeds easily, produces pus, or occurs with tooth pain, swelling, fever, looseness, or a bad taste. Do not wait if swelling affects swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether the redness starts in the gum or at the tooth root, whether a pocket or cavity is present, and whether imaging or professional cleaning is needed. Ask what the examination shows and what alternatives are reasonable.