Swollen mouth gum
A swollen gum or mouth can result from plaque-related inflammation, infection around a tooth, trauma, an erupting tooth, or irritation.
What is the direct answer?
A swollen gum or mouth can result from plaque-related inflammation, infection around a tooth, trauma, an erupting tooth, or irritation.
What does this question mean?
Swelling is an increase in fluid and inflammatory tissue in the gum, cheek, lip, or tissues around a tooth. Its location, tenderness, colour, discharge, and duration help narrow the cause.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, keep the area clean, avoid squeezing it, and use a cool compress outside the cheek for short periods. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange prompt dental care for localized swelling, pus, worsening pain, or a bad taste. Facial swelling with fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing requires urgent emergency assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is periodontal, endodontic, traumatic, or related to an erupting tooth, and whether an examination or radiograph is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can this problem have more than one cause?
Yes. An examination separates surface, gum, tooth, bite, and jaw causes before treatment is selected.
What information helps the dentist plan care?
Describe when it started, what triggers it, what relieves it, and any swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, or change in function.