My gum is swollen and hurts
A swollen painful gum may result from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection in a nearby tooth.
The short answer
Painful swelling needs its cause identified because gum irritation and a tooth-root infection require different treatment. Examination may include probing, checking the tooth’s response, and a dental X-ray.
Could the pain come from my gum or tooth root?
Gum swelling can originate at the gum edge or tooth root. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap bacteria beneath its gum flap.
What can I do while my painful gum is swollen?
Rinse gently with warm water, brush the area carefully, and clean between teeth if this does not cause sharp pain. Do not squeeze the swelling or place heat, aspirin, or caustic substances on it.
When does painful gum swelling need urgent care?
Arrange prompt care if swelling persists or if there is fever, pus, a bad taste, increasing pain, or difficulty opening the mouth. Facial swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing requires emergency help.
Is the swelling in the gum or from the tooth root?
Is the swelling in the gum or from the tooth root? Is there a pocket, decay, or wisdom tooth problem? Would drainage, cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, or removal be needed?
Frequently asked questions
Could this be a sign of a more serious dental problem?
Arrange prompt care if swelling persists or if there is fever, pus, a bad taste, increasing pain, or difficulty opening the mouth.
Could this be an abscess?
The dentist can look for a pocket, drainage point, root infection, or another source of swelling.
Keep reading
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.