Rear gum swollen
Swelling at the back of the gum commonly comes from an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth, food and plaque trapped under a gum flap, or infection in a ne.
The short answer
Swelling at the back of the gum commonly comes from an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth, food and plaque trapped under a gum flap, or infection in a nearby tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The tissue behind the second molar may form a flap over a partially erupted third molar. Bacteria and debris can collect beneath it, causing pericoronitis, while decay or pulp infection in a molar can create a separate abscess.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area as clean as possible with a small soft brush, avoid poking the gum, and arrange an examination with appropriate dental imaging.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek same-day care for increasing facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, reduced mouth opening, or difficulty swallowing. Go to emergency services for breathing difficulty or swelling that is spreading quickly.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is pericoronitis, a tooth abscess, gum disease, or trauma, whether the wisdom tooth can erupt normally, and whether cleaning, drainage, restoration, root canal treatment, or removal is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rear gum lump always a wisdom tooth?
No. It can also reflect an abscess, periodontal pocket, trauma, cyst, or another oral lesion, so its location and cause need examination.
Can I wait if the swelling is painless?
A painless swelling can still represent infection or another lesion; arrange a dental assessment rather than relying on pain as a guide.