Why has my gum swollen
A swollen gum can result from plaque-related inflammation, food trapped between teeth, trauma, a local abscess, or irritation around an erupting tooth.
The short answer
Gum swelling is an increase in tissue fluid and inflammatory cells in the gingiva. The location, colour, tenderness, bleeding, bad taste, tooth sensitivity, and duration help distinguish superficial gingivitis from infection around a tooth or deeper dental disease.
How can you clean around a swollen gum safely?
Gently brush the area and clean between the teeth without forcing an object into the gum. Rinse with warm water, avoid squeezing a lump, and arrange an examination so the tooth, gum pocket, fillings, and nearby tissues can be checked.
What can you do while waiting for swollen gum tissue to settle?
Seek prompt dental care for swelling that lasts, recurs, is painful, or drains a bad taste. Get urgent help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.
When does gum swelling need prompt dental care?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum or coming from the tooth root, and whether an X-ray or periodontal measurement is needed. Ask what treatment addresses the cause and how to prevent recurrence.
What should you ask about the source of gum swelling?
A gum lump can be caused by inflammation, trauma, or a dental infection.
Frequently asked questions
Food impaction, decay, a cracked tooth, a periodontal pocket, or an abscess can affect one area. Examination is needed to identify which structure is involved.
Should I pop a swollen gum?
No. Squeezing can injure tissue and does not remove the dental source of infection or inflammation.
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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.