My gum is puffy
A puffy gum is usually inflamed tissue, often from plaque, trapped food, trauma, or infection around a tooth.
The short answer
A puffy gum is usually inflamed gingiva caused by plaque, trapped food, mechanical irritation, or infection near a tooth. Localized swelling is more suggestive of a nearby tooth or irritant than generalized gum inflammation.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gingiva can enlarge when blood vessels and immune cells respond to bacterial plaque or injury. Swelling beside one tooth may accompany decay, a periodontal pocket, a partially erupted tooth, or an abscess.
What can you do next?
Clean the area gently with a soft toothbrush and an interdental cleaner that fits without force. Do not pop the swelling or press medication into it, and choose soft foods while arranging an assessment if it does not settle.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist for swelling that persists, bleeds repeatedly, tastes foul, drains, or is associated with tooth sensitivity or pain. Facial swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, or irritation from a tooth or appliance. Ask whether probing, cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or an X-ray is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Should I puncture a gum bump?
No. Puncturing it can injure tissue and does not treat the dental source of an abscess.
Can plaque make gums puffy?
Yes. Plaque bacteria can inflame the gum margin and cause redness, swelling, and bleeding.