Swollen tender gum
A swollen tender gum can result from plaque-related inflammation, food trapped under the gum, trauma, a gum pocket, or infection around a tooth.
What can cause a swollen tender gum?
A swollen tender gum can result from plaque-related inflammation, food trapped under the gum, trauma, a gum pocket, or infection around a tooth.
Why does irritated gum tissue become swollen and tender?
Gum tissue becomes enlarged and sore when its blood vessels and immune cells respond to irritation or infection. A local swelling beside one tooth can also reflect a periodontal abscess or an infection from the tooth root, which requires different treatment.
What can you do for a swollen tender gum today?
Brush gently along the gumline, clean between the teeth if it is comfortable, and rinse with lukewarm salt water. Do not cut, squeeze, or drain the swelling, and avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
When should a swollen tender gum be seen promptly?
Seek prompt dental care when swelling lasts, recurs, produces pus or a bad taste, or comes with toothache, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth. Breathing or swallowing difficulty is urgent.
What should you ask about a swollen tender gum?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or coming from the tooth, whether probing or an X-ray is needed, and whether treatment involves cleaning, drainage, a filling, or root canal care.
Frequently asked questions
Can this problem have more than one cause?
Yes. A dental examination distinguishes the tooth, gum, jaw, or oral-tissue problem and guides treatment.
What information helps at the appointment?
Note when it started, what makes it better or worse, and any swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, injury, or change in chewing.
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.