My gum is hurting at the back
Pain at the back of the gums can come from plaque, an erupting wisdom tooth, trapped food, an ulcer, trauma, or infection around a tooth.
What can cause pain behind my last molar?
Pain at the back of the gums can come from plaque, an erupting wisdom tooth, trapped food, an ulcer, trauma, or infection around a tooth.
What tissue is found behind the last molar?
The rear gum includes tissue behind the last molar and the operculum that can partly cover an erupting wisdom tooth. Pain may arise from inflamed gum, a cavity in the last molar, a cracked tooth, food impaction, or a sore on the cheek or gum.
How can I clean the painful back gum safely?
Rinse gently with warm water, brush the back teeth with a small soft brush, and avoid sharp objects or repeated poking. Note whether the pain is triggered by biting, heat, cold, opening the mouth, or pressure around a wisdom tooth.
When does back gum pain need urgent attention?
Seek prompt dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening pain, restricted mouth opening, difficulty swallowing, or a bad taste with a partly erupted tooth. Breathing difficulty requires emergency care.
Could my wisdom tooth be causing this pain?
Can you inspect the last molar and wisdom-tooth area?
Frequently asked questions
What is the first practical point to remember?
Pain at the back of the gums can come from plaque, an erupting wisdom tooth, trapped food, an ulcer, trauma, or infection around a tooth.
Why does the back gum hurt when I chew?
Food impaction, an inflamed gum flap, a cracked tooth, or decay can make pressure painful.
Can I cut the gum flap myself?
No. Do not cut it. A dentist must assess the tooth, tissue, and infection risk before choosing treatment.
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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.