My gum is swollen under one tooth
Swelling under one tooth may be gum inflammation, food impaction, irritation, or an abscess and needs a dental examination.
The short answer
Swelling under one tooth can come from localized gum inflammation, food impaction, an abscess, or irritation, and the tooth and surrounding tissues should be examined.
How can a dentist distinguish the source of swelling?
A dentist checks the gum margin, pocket, tooth vitality, bite, and often an x-ray to distinguish a gum problem from infection inside the tooth.
What can I do for swelling under one tooth?
Clean gently with a soft brush and interdental aid, rinse with water, and avoid pressing the swelling or placing aspirin on it.
When does swelling under one tooth need prompt care?
Seek prompt care if swelling persists or comes with throbbing pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or facial swelling. Trouble swallowing or breathing needs emergency help.
Which findings determine treatment for swelling under a tooth?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum, periodontal ligament, or root area, and what examination or x-ray findings determine treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can there be more than one cause?
A dentist checks the gum margin, pocket, tooth vitality, bite, and often an x-ray to distinguish a gum problem from infection inside the tooth.
What should I do while arranging care?
Clean gently with a soft brush and interdental aid, rinse with water, and avoid pressing the swelling or placing aspirin on it.
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.