What causes gums to swell around teeth
Swollen gums may result from plaque, trapped food, gum disease, tooth infection, trauma, or an erupting tooth.
The short answer
Gums can swell around teeth when plaque inflames the gingiva, but trapped food, infection, trauma, medication, or a partially erupted tooth can also be responsible.
How does plaque cause swelling around the gum margin?
Plaque contains bacteria that irritate the gingival margin, causing redness, tenderness, bleeding, and enlargement. A cavity, dental abscess, gum pocket, food impaction, orthodontic appliance, or wisdom tooth can create a localized swelling.
What can you do safely when gums swell around a tooth?
Brush gently at the gumline, clean between teeth, and rinse with warm salt water; do not puncture the swelling or place aspirin on it.
Which symptoms make swelling around a tooth urgent?
Urgent dental assessment is needed for facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.
What should your dentist examine around the swollen tooth?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, or an eruption problem, and whether an X-ray is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
What should I record before an appointment?
Record when the change began, what makes it better or worse, and any pain, bleeding, swelling, fever, medicines, or recent dental treatment.
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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.