Sore upper gum

The upper gum is the gingiva covering the jawbone around the roots of the upper teeth. Tenderness, redness, swelling, bleeding, or a small raw area can come from the gum surface, the tooth beneath it, the lip or cheek rubbing it, or an infection that is draining toward the gum.

Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, clean between the nearby teeth, and rinse with warm salt water if it is soothing. Avoid picking the area, tobacco, very hot foods, and sharp foods; a dentist may examine the tooth, test its pulp, measure the gum, and take an X-ray if the pain is localized.

Arrange dental care if soreness persists, recurs, or comes with bleeding, pus, a bad taste, tooth sensitivity, or pain on biting. Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or swelling around the eye.

Ask whether the soreness is from gum inflammation, decay, a cracked tooth, an ulcer, or an abscess. Also ask whether you need periodontal measurements, pulp testing, an X-ray, cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, or another procedure.