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.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Brush gently and clean between teeth, remove loose debris, and avoid chewing hard food there. Do not squeeze the gum or apply undiluted chemicals.
What can you do next?
Seek care when swelling persists, grows, recurs, or causes pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or sensitivity. Spreading swelling or airway symptoms is urgent.
When should you seek dental care?
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.