Swollen sore gum around tooth
A swollen sore gum can result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, or an infection near the tooth, so the cause determines treatment.
What can cause a swollen sore gum around one tooth?
A swollen sore gum can result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, or an infection near the tooth, so the cause determines treatment.
Why can a sore gum develop a localised swollen lump?
Plaque and calculus can inflame the gingiva, while food impaction, a sharp filling edge, trauma, decay, or a tooth-root infection can produce a more localized lump. A partially erupted wisdom tooth is another possible location.
How should you clean a swollen sore gum safely?
Gently brush the area and clean between the teeth if this does not cause sharp pain. Use a cold compress outside the cheek for short periods and avoid pressing, cutting, or squeezing the swelling.
When does a swollen sore gum need dental care?
Seek prompt dental care if swelling lasts, returns, drains pus, causes toothache, or makes the tooth painful to bite. Get urgent help for facial or neck swelling, fever, altered vision, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask about the source of gum swelling?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or from the tooth root, whether an X-ray or pulp test is needed, and which treatment removes the source rather than only easing symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can a swollen gum go away on its own?
Mild irritation may settle after trapped plaque or food is removed, but recurrent or persistent swelling needs diagnosis.
Is a gum boil always an abscess?
A small draining bump can be associated with a tooth or gum abscess, but examination and sometimes imaging are needed to identify its source.
Keep reading
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.