Swollen gum around cracked tooth
A swollen gum beside a cracked tooth can indicate trapped bacteria, a gum pocket, or infection reaching the tooth’s pulp.
The short answer
A swollen gum beside a cracked tooth can indicate inflammation or infection around the tooth and needs a dental examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A crack can open a path for plaque and oral bacteria into dentine, the pulp, or the supporting tissues. Tenderness on biting, a gum boil, bad taste, temperature pain, or pain on release can help locate the affected structure.
What can you do next?
Chew on the opposite side, choose softer foods, clean gently around the tooth, and rinse with lukewarm water. Do not probe the swelling, glue the tooth, or place irritants inside the crack.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange prompt care for swelling around a cracked tooth, especially with worsening pain, fever, facial swelling, pus, or a bad taste. Emergency help is needed if swelling affects breathing, swallowing, or eye movement.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask where the crack extends, whether the pulp is inflamed or infected, whether the tooth can be restored, and whether treatment involves bonding, a crown, root canal treatment, or removal.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked tooth heal itself?
The tooth structure does not reliably fuse back together, so the crack and its depth need assessment.
Why is the gum swollen in one spot?
A local crack, food trap, periodontal pocket, or root infection can inflame the nearby gum.