My gums are swollen at the back

Swelling at the back of the mouth can come from gum inflammation, a partially erupted wisdom tooth, food trapping, or a dental infection.

The tissue behind the last molar may become inflamed when a wisdom tooth is partly covered by a gum flap, called an operculum. Plaque and food can collect there, but decay, a periodontal pocket, or an abscess can produce similar swelling.

Rinse gently with warm salt water, clean the area carefully with a soft brush, and choose softer foods while arranging an examination. Do not cut the gum, squeeze swelling, or place aspirin directly on the tissue.

Seek urgent dental care for increasing swelling, pus, fever, limited mouth opening, or pain that spreads to the ear or jaw. Facial or neck swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.

Ask whether a wisdom tooth is involved, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether treatment means cleaning, restoring or removing a tooth, or managing the gum flap.