Swelling in upper mouth

Swelling in the upper mouth can come from an irritated gum, a dental abscess, trauma, or a nearby sinus problem, so the cause must be identified.

Upper-mouth swelling may involve the gum over a tooth, the palate, the cheek side of the jaw, or soft tissue around a tooth. A blocked salivary duct or sinus inflammation can also create nearby pressure, but a dental infection must be considered. A dentist examines the swelling, the involved tooth, gum pockets, bite, and nearby tissues, and may use dental X-rays.

Rinse gently with warm salt water, keep the area clean, and use a cold compress outside the cheek if it is tender. Do not puncture, squeeze, or heat the lump. Treatment depends on the cause and may include cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal of a non-restorable tooth.

Arrange prompt care for new or painful swelling. Seek urgent help if it spreads toward the eye or neck, or causes fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or limited mouth opening. A swelling that drains and shrinks still needs examination because the source may remain.

Could an upper-mouth lump be a tooth abscess? Yes. An abscess can form beside a tooth root or in the gum, although not every lump is dental. Examination and sometimes an X-ray distinguish the causes.