Tender gums around tooth
Tender gum around one tooth can be caused by trapped plaque or food, gum inflammation, a cracked or decayed tooth, an erupting tooth, or a local injur
The short answer
Tender gum around one tooth can be caused by trapped plaque or food, gum inflammation, a cracked or decayed tooth, an erupting tooth, or a local injury.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The gingiva may become tender where plaque collects beside a tooth, around a filling, or under a gum flap. Pain on biting or sensitivity to temperature points more toward the tooth, while bleeding and puffiness at the margin point toward gum inflammation.
What can you do next?
Gently brush the tooth and clean between it without forcing a sharp object into the gum. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side and note whether the pain changes with biting, heat, cold, or pressure.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for increasing pain, pus, facial swelling, fever, a bad taste, or difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. Persistent localized tenderness also needs an examination.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the source is the gum, tooth root, filling, or erupting tooth, and whether probing, a bite test, or an X-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What can cause tender gums around tooth?
The gingiva may become tender where plaque collects beside a tooth, around a filling, or under a gum flap. Pain on biting or sensitivity to temperature points more toward the tooth, while bleeding and puffiness at the margin point toward gum inflammation.
Can I manage tender gums around tooth at home?
Gently brush the tooth and clean between it without forcing a sharp object into the gum. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side and note whether the pain changes with biting, heat, cold, or pressure.