My mouth is swollen and my tooth hurts

A swollen mouth with tooth pain can indicate inflamed or infected dental tissues and needs prompt examination, especially if swelling is spreading.

The swelling may involve the gum, tissues around a tooth root, cheek, or floor of the mouth. Common dental causes include deep decay reaching the pulp, a cracked tooth, gum infection, or a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

Rinse gently with warm salt water, keep the area clean, and use a wrapped cold pack on the cheek for short periods. Take only suitable pain medicine as directed; do not drain the swelling yourself.

Contact a dentist promptly. Go to emergency care immediately if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, extends toward the eye or neck, or causes severe difficulty opening the mouth.

Ask whether the pulp, root, gum, or wisdom tooth is the source, whether imaging is needed, and whether drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, or other care is indicated.