Gum is swollen and sore around tooth
A sore swollen gum around one tooth may come from plaque, food impaction, trauma, or infection near the tooth.
The short answer
A sore swollen gum around one tooth may result from plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped between teeth, a gum injury, decay, or infection from the tooth or its root.
Where can swelling around one tooth develop?
The swelling may be in the marginal gum beside the crown or a deeper area near the root. Tenderness, bleeding, a bad taste, sensitivity, or pain on biting can help distinguish local gum inflammation from a tooth problem.
How can I soothe and clean the sore gum?
Rinse gently with warm water, brush the area with a soft brush, and clean between the teeth to remove trapped debris. Do not squeeze a lump or place aspirin directly on the gum.
When should sore swelling around a tooth be examined?
Arrange dental care if the swelling lasts, recurs, or is associated with toothache, pus, fever, or a loose tooth. Facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires urgent medical attention.
Is the source the gum, pulp, or tissue around the root?
Ask whether the source is the gum, the tooth pulp, or the tissues around the root. Ask whether you need periodontal probing, a dental X-ray, cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, or drainage.
Frequently asked questions
Can food stuck between teeth cause a swollen gum?
Yes. Irritation and bacterial plaque around the trapped material can make the small gum papilla tender and puffy.
Does a swollen gum always mean an abscess?
No. Gingivitis and mechanical irritation can swell the gum, but an abscess must be considered when there is pus, severe pain, fever, or spreading 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.