Very swollen gum around one tooth
A very swollen gum around one tooth can indicate a gum pocket, trapped debris, an erupting tooth, or an abscess from the tooth or its root.
The short answer
Marked swelling around one tooth is a localized dental problem that needs the tooth, gum pocket, and nearby tissues assessed. An abscess may produce throbbing pain, pain on biting, a bad taste, pus, or a tender raised area, but swelling can occur without every symptom.
How will a dentist assess swelling around one tooth?
The dentist examines the gum pocket, taps and tests the tooth, checks neighboring teeth, and takes a focused radiograph when needed. Treatment depends on the source and may include cleaning, drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction, with antibiotics considered only when systemic or spreading infection requires them.
What should you do while one gum is very swollen?
Do not squeeze the swelling or place aspirin on the gum; brush gently, keep the area clean, and use only medicines suitable for you as directed on their label or by a clinician. Contact a dental service promptly for an appointment and mention pain, fever, drainage, trauma, or a recent procedure.
When does swelling around one tooth require urgent care?
Arrange urgent dental care for severe pain, fever, pus, facial swelling, or swelling that is increasing. Go to emergency care for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling toward the eye or neck, or severe difficulty opening the mouth.
Could this tooth have an abscess or gum pocket?
Could this tooth have an abscess or a periodontal pocket? What treatment will remove the source of the swelling?
Frequently asked questions
What is the first useful step?
Marked swelling around one tooth is a localized dental problem that needs the tooth, gum pocket, and nearby tissues assessed.
What symptom should not be ignored?
Arrange urgent dental care for severe pain, fever, pus, facial swelling, or swelling that is increasing.
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.