My gum above my tooth is swollen
Swelling above a tooth may reflect gum inflammation, trapped food, a periodontal pocket, or infection from the tooth pulp.
The short answer
Swelling above a tooth can come from gum inflammation, food trapped around the gum, a periodontal pocket, or an infection from the tooth’s pulp that has reached the surrounding tissues.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swollen area may be attached gum over a root or the mucosa above an upper tooth. A dentist checks the tooth, gum pocket, percussion response, vitality, bite, and an appropriate dental radiograph to locate the source.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, clean around the tooth with a soft brush, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the swelling. Do not use leftover antibiotics or put caustic substances on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange urgent dental care if swelling is painful or enlarging, pus or fever develops, the face becomes swollen, or swallowing, breathing, or mouth opening becomes difficult.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the source is the gum, tooth pulp, or a trapped foreign body; whether drainage, periodontal treatment, root canal treatment, extraction, or another procedure is indicated; and how recurrence will be prevented.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point?
The swollen area may be attached gum over a root or the mucosa above an upper tooth. A dentist checks the tooth, gum pocket, percussion response, vitality, bite, and an appropriate dental radiograph to locate the source.
What can I do now?
Rinse gently with warm water, clean around the tooth with a soft brush, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the swelling. Do not use leftover antibiotics or put caustic substances on the gum.
When is care urgent?
Arrange urgent dental care if swelling is painful or enlarging, pus or fever develops, the face becomes swollen, or swallowing, breathing, or mouth opening becomes difficult.