Gum is inflamed around tooth
Inflammation around one tooth is often caused by plaque or trapped food, but decay, a crack, gum disease, or an erupting tooth can also be responsible.
What is the direct answer?
Inflammation around one tooth is often caused by plaque or trapped food, but decay, a crack, gum disease, or an erupting tooth can also be responsible.
What does this question mean?
The gum may be red, swollen, tender, or bleed. An abscess can add throbbing pain, pus, a bad taste, or swelling near the tooth.
What can you do next?
Brush gently, clean between the teeth without forcing the gum, and do not squeeze the swelling. A dentist may measure the gum, test the tooth, and take an X-ray.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for pain on biting, pus, fever, worsening swelling, or a loose tooth. Facial swelling or swallowing or breathing difficulty is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the source is the gum, tooth, root, or erupting tooth, and whether cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the next step?
Brush gently, clean between the teeth without forcing the gum, and do not squeeze the swelling. A dentist may measure the gum, test the tooth, and take an X-ray.
When should this be checked?
Seek prompt care for pain on biting, pus, fever, worsening swelling, or a loose tooth. Facial swelling or swallowing or breathing difficulty is urgent.