What to do if there is swelling in gums
Gum swelling can result from plaque gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, trapped food, an erupting tooth, or a dental abscess.
What can cause swelling in the gums?
Gum swelling can result from plaque gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, trapped food, an erupting tooth, or a dental abscess.
What can a tender swelling beside one tooth mean?
A localized tender swelling beside one tooth can reflect infection in the pulp or tissues around its root.
What can you do when your gums become swollen?
Clean gently, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use a cold compress outside the cheek if sore.
When is gum swelling a dental emergency?
Seek urgent care for fever, pus, spreading facial swelling, severe pain, or trouble opening, swallowing, or breathing.
What treatment might be needed for swollen gums?
Ask which tissue is swollen, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I manage this at home?
Clean gently, avoid squeezing the swelling, and use a cold compress outside the cheek if sore.
When is an examination needed?
Seek urgent care for fever, pus, spreading facial swelling, severe pain, or trouble opening, swallowing, or breathing.
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.