My gums are swelling over my teeth
Gums swelling over a tooth can come from plaque inflammation, eruption, trapped food, infection, or medication-related enlargement.
The short answer
Gum tissue that is growing or swelling over a tooth needs an examination because plaque inflammation, an erupting tooth, trapped debris, or a dental infection can look similar.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The swelling may be in the marginal gum, the tissue over a partly erupted tooth, or a local abscess beside the tooth. Its colour, tenderness, drainage, pocket depth, and relation to the tooth help identify the cause.
What can you do next?
Brush gently along the swollen margin and clean nearby spaces without forcing an object into the tissue. A dentist may remove deposits, flush a pocket, test the tooth, take an X-ray, and treat the source with cleaning, drainage, restoration, or extraction when indicated.
When should you seek dental care?
Book dental care soon if swelling lasts, recurs, bleeds, tastes unpleasant, or makes chewing difficult. Facial swelling, fever, worsening pain, or trouble opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires urgent assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gum inflammation, an eruption flap, or an abscess. Ask whether the tooth is alive, whether an X-ray is needed, and which treatment removes the underlying source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first practical step?
Brush gently along the swollen margin and clean nearby spaces without forcing an object into the tissue. A dentist may remove deposits, flush a pocket, test the tooth, take an X-ray, and treat the source with cleaning, drainage, restoration, or extraction when indicated.
When does this need prompt care?
Book dental care soon if swelling lasts, recurs, bleeds, tastes unpleasant, or makes chewing difficult. Facial swelling, fever, worsening pain, or trouble opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires urgent assessment.