Gum around my back tooth is swollen
Swelling around a back tooth can come from plaque, gum inflammation, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, decay, or infection.
The short answer
A gum flap over a wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria; swelling can also arise from a periodontal pocket or an abscess at a root.
How can you safely manage swelling around a back tooth?
Rinse gently, brush carefully, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use suitable labelled pain relief if needed.
Which symptoms mean swelling needs urgent or emergency care?
Prompt care is needed for pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, limited opening, or swallowing difficulty; breathing difficulty is an emergency.
Is the swelling from the gum flap, tooth, or root?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum flap, tooth, or root, whether an X-ray is needed, and which treatment is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concern?
A gum flap over a wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria; swelling can also arise from a periodontal pocket or an abscess at a root.
Can home care replace an examination?
Rinse gently, brush carefully, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use suitable labelled pain relief if needed.
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.