Swollen gum around tooth
A swollen gum around one tooth may reflect plaque, trapped food, decay, a crack, periodontal disease, or infection near the root.
The short answer
The source may be at the gum margin, between teeth, inside the pulp, or around the root. A dentist checks pockets, decay, cracks, mobility, and pulp response, with X-rays when needed.
How should you care for a swollen gum around a tooth?
Brush gently and clean between teeth, remove loose debris, and avoid chewing hard food there. Do not squeeze the gum or apply undiluted chemicals.
When should a swollen gum around a tooth be checked?
Seek care when swelling persists, grows, recurs, or causes pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or sensitivity. Spreading swelling or airway symptoms is urgent.
What should you ask about the swollen gum source?
Ask whether the swelling starts in the gum or tooth, and whether cleaning, filling, root-canal treatment, or drainage is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the key point?
The source may be at the gum margin, between teeth, inside the pulp, or around the root. A dentist checks pockets, decay, cracks, mobility, and pulp response, with X-rays when needed.
What should I avoid?
Seek care when swelling persists, grows, recurs, or causes pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or sensitivity. Spreading swelling or airway symptoms is urgent.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.