My gums are swollen around my teeth
Swollen gums around teeth commonly reflect inflammation from plaque, trapped food, irritation, or an infection that needs examination.
The short answer
Swollen gums are enlarged, tender, or puffy gingival tissues around one or more teeth. Plaque can inflame the gum margin, while a trapped food particle, erupting tooth, ill-fitting restoration, or dental abscess can affect one area.
How should you gently clean swollen gums around teeth?
Gently brush the gumline with a soft brush and clean between the teeth without forcing floss into the tissue. Avoid tobacco and do not press or drain a swelling; note its location, pain, bleeding, taste, and duration.
Which signs mean swollen gums need prompt care?
Seek care promptly for pus, fever, facial swelling, severe pain, a loose tooth, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing. Persistent swelling also needs an examination even when it is not painful.
What could be causing the swelling around your teeth?
Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, periodontal disease, a localized abscess, or irritation from a tooth or restoration. Ask whether an X-ray, periodontal measurements, cleaning, drainage, or treatment of the tooth is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be treated at home?
Home care can reduce irritation and plaque, but persistent, severe, or unexplained symptoms need clinical assessment.
What will the dentist check?
The dentist examines the tissues, teeth, bite, and relevant history, then chooses tests or treatment for the identified cause.
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.