Lower teeth hitting upper gums
Lower teeth touching or cutting the upper gum can indicate a traumatic bite, tooth position problem, swelling, or a change that needs examination.
The short answer
Lower teeth repeatedly contacting the upper gum is not a normal bite contact when it causes soreness, bleeding, or an ulcer. The cause may be tooth position, a deep overbite, gum swelling, or a recent change in the bite.
Why might lower teeth touch the gum behind upper teeth?
The lower incisors may contact the tissue behind the upper front teeth, called the palatal gingiva, when the vertical overlap is excessive or the teeth are angled unusually. A new filling, crown, orthodontic movement, tooth wear, or jaw clenching can alter the contact.
What can you do while arranging an examination?
Rinse gently with lukewarm water, avoid picking the area, and choose softer foods while arranging an examination. A dentist checks the bite with articulating paper, inspects the gum and teeth, and may use photographs or radiographs before adjusting a filling or planning orthodontic care.
When does gum contact need prompt dental assessment?
Book dental care promptly if the contact persists, the gum is ulcerated, or chewing has changed. Seek urgent help for spreading swelling, fever, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
What could be causing the injury in your bite?
Is the injury caused by a deep overbite, a tooth restoration, tooth movement, gum swelling, or clenching? Ask whether bite adjustment, orthodontics, or treatment of gum disease is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can the gum heal if the contact stops?
Minor irritation may settle after the cause is removed, but a persistent ulcer needs examination.
Should I file the tooth at home?
No. Tooth reshaping must be planned after checking enamel thickness, restorations, and the whole bite.
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.