Stop gum swelling
Gum swelling usually improves only when its cause is treated, such as plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped under the gum, a dental abscess, or irrita
The short answer
Gum swelling usually improves only when its cause is treated, such as plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped under the gum, a dental abscess, or irritation from an appliance.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Swelling means the gingival tissues contain inflammation or fluid. Plaque, calculus, a trapped fragment, erupting wisdom tooth, trauma, poorly fitting restoration, or infection from the tooth pulp can all produce a puffy or tender gum, and treatment differs for each cause.
What can you do next?
Brush gently along the gum margin, clean between the teeth, rinse with warm salt water, and avoid smoking and squeezing the swelling. A dentist may remove calculus, flush a pocket, adjust an appliance, drain an abscess, or treat the affected tooth.
When should you seek dental care?
Get urgent dental help for facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble swallowing or breathing. Arrange an examination for swelling that lasts, recurs, bleeds, or sits beside a damaged tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or comes from the tooth root. Ask whether you need periodontal probing, a dental radiograph, cleaning, drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Could this be serious?
Get urgent dental help for facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
What should I avoid?
Brush gently along the gum margin, clean between the teeth, rinse with warm salt water, and avoid smoking and squeezing the swelling.