Gums around teeth are swollen

Swollen gum tissue commonly reflects plaque-related inflammation, but a trapped food particle, erupting tooth, decay, or a dental abscess can also cause it.

Gingiva may enlarge around one tooth or across several areas. The cause depends on whether swelling is tender, bleeding, localised, associated with a pocket, or accompanied by tooth pain, bad taste, fever, or facial swelling.

Gingiva may enlarge around one tooth or across several areas. The cause depends on whether swelling is tender, bleeding, localised, associated with a pocket, or accompanied by tooth pain, bad taste, fever, or facial swelling.

Clean the area gently with a soft brush and an interdental brush or floss where it can pass without force. Do not pierce the swelling or place concentrated chemicals, aspirin, or herbal substances directly on the gum.

Clean the area gently with a soft brush and an interdental brush or floss where it can pass without force. Do not pierce the swelling or place concentrated chemicals, aspirin, or herbal substances directly on the gum.

Ask whether the swelling comes from gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an impacted tooth, decay, or an abscess. Ask if probing, a cleaning, or a radiograph is needed.

Arrange dental care when swelling lasts, returns, bleeds, or is linked to toothache. Facial swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing needs prompt attention.

Seek prompt assessment for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether the swelling comes from gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an impacted tooth, decay, or an abscess. Ask if probing, a cleaning, or a radiograph is needed.

Ask which examination findings change the diagnosis and what the alternatives, expected steps, and follow-up would be.