Gingival swelling
Gingival swelling can come from plaque inflammation, trapped food, trauma, or infection around a tooth and needs assessment when persistent.
The short answer
Gingival swelling is enlarged gum tissue. Plaque inflammation is common, while a tooth abscess, trapped food, erupting tooth, trauma, or medicine can produce a localized lump.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Bacteria inside a tooth or below the gum can create pus and pressure. A dentist may use probing, pulp tests, percussion, and an X-ray to locate the source.
What can you do next?
Clean gently with a soft brush and lukewarm water. Do not puncture the swelling or place aspirin on the gum; treatment may require cleaning, drainage, or tooth treatment.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek same-day care for severe pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or facial swelling. Breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling comes from gingivitis, a gum pocket, an erupting tooth, or an abscess.
Frequently asked questions
Ask whether the swelling comes from gingivitis, a gum pocket, an erupting tooth, or an abscess.
Gingival swelling is enlarged gum tissue. Plaque inflammation is common, while a tooth abscess, trapped food, erupting tooth, trauma, or medicine can produce a localized lump.
When should it be checked?
Seek same-day care for severe pain, pus, fever, bad taste, or facial swelling. Breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.