What causes gums to swell and hurt
Painful swollen gums commonly come from plaque inflammation, infection, trauma, or an erupting tooth, and need assessment if persistent.
The short answer
Painful swollen gums can result from plaque-related gingivitis, a gum or tooth infection, food trapped under the gum, trauma, or inflammation around an erupting tooth. The location, duration, bleeding, and tooth symptoms help distinguish these causes.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gum swelling is an increase in tissue fluid and inflammatory cells around the gingiva. Tenderness may come from irritated gum tissue, pressure from an impacted tooth, or infection in the pulp, root, or periodontal tissues.
What can you do next?
Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between the teeth, and rinse with warm water while arranging an examination. Do not puncture a swelling or place aspirin directly on the gum, because either can injure the tissue.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek dental care when swelling lasts, returns, or is focused beside one tooth. Get urgent help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, spreading redness, or inability to open the mouth normally.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is from gum inflammation, a cavity, a root infection, a wisdom tooth, or trapped debris. Ask whether probing, a vitality test, or a dental image is needed to identify the source.
Frequently asked questions
Can food stuck between teeth cause swelling?
Yes. Trapped food can irritate the papilla, the small gum peak between teeth, until it is removed and the area settles.
Does swollen gum always mean an abscess?
No. Gingivitis and mechanical irritation can swell without a pus-filled abscess, but a localized lump needs examination.