My gum is swollen in one spot
A gum swollen in one spot may reflect trapped food, local plaque inflammation, a gum pocket, trauma, or infection from a nearby tooth.
The short answer
One-point gum swelling is a localised change rather than a diagnosis. The position beside a tooth, between teeth, or over the tooth root gives useful clues about its source.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Food or calculus can irritate the interdental papilla, while a periodontal pocket can collect bacteria beside the root. A cavity, cracked tooth, or dead pulp can allow infection to reach the tissues around the root and form a small bump.
What can you do next?
Gently clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush and continue careful brushing. Do not pop the lump, apply caustic chemicals, or place pain medicine directly on the gum; monitor changes in pain, size, drainage, and fever.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange a dental examination if the swelling lasts, returns, bleeds, drains, or is painful. Get urgent care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum papilla, periodontal pocket, or root area, and whether probing, a vitality test, or an X-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pop a swollen gum spot?
No. Puncturing it can injure the tissue and leaves any dental or gum cause untreated.
Why does it bleed when I floss there?
Inflamed tissue can bleed with contact, although forceful flossing or trauma can also contribute.