The back of my gums hurt and are swollen
Pain and swelling behind a last molar may come from a wisdom tooth, trapped food, decay, gum inflammation, or infection.
The short answer
Painful swelling at the back of the mouth often involves the gum flap around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, but the adjacent molar and surrounding tissues must also be checked. The cause may be local irritation, food trapping, decay, gum infection, or an abscess.
What can a partially erupted wisdom tooth cause behind the gum?
A wisdom tooth can emerge through a narrow opening in the gum, creating a pocket where plaque and food collect. A dentist examines the gum flap, tooth position, bite, nearby molar, jaw opening, and facial swelling, then may take an X-ray to assess roots and impaction.
What can I do now to ease swelling at the back of my gums?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area as clean as you can with a small soft brush, and choose soft foods. Do not press on the swelling, place aspirin on the gum, or attempt to remove a tooth yourself. Note fever, bad taste, pus, reduced mouth opening, and whether swallowing is painful.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the swelling hurt when I bite?
Inflamed tissue may be compressed during chewing, and the nearby tooth may also be tender if decay or infection is present.
Will it go away on its own?
Mild irritation may settle, but recurrent or persistent swelling can return until the trapped plaque, tooth problem, or wisdom tooth position is addressed.
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.