Swollen gums between molars
Gum swelling between molars commonly reflects plaque, trapped food, a periodontal pocket, trauma, or infection near a tooth.
The short answer
Swelling between molars often comes from plaque or trapped food irritating the interdental gum, but a periodontal pocket, decay, cracked tooth, or root infection can produce the same sign.
What is the triangular gum tissue between two teeth called?
The small triangular gum between two teeth is the interdental papilla. Molars create contact areas that can retain food and plaque, and deeper pockets can trap bacteria below the gum edge.
How can you clean safely between swollen molars?
Gently clean the contact with floss or an appropriately sized interdental brush, brush the outer and inner molar surfaces, and avoid forcing a sharp object into the gum. Note bleeding, pus, pain, and changes when biting.
When should swelling between molars be examined by a dentist?
Book a dental examination if the swelling lasts, recurs, bleeds, smells unpleasant, or is painful. Urgent care is needed for spreading swelling, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.
Could a pocket, cavity, crack, or abscess cause the swelling?
Ask whether there is a pocket, calculus, cavity, cracked tooth, or abscess. Ask whether bitewing or root-area radiographs, professional cleaning, drainage, or restorative treatment is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Should I floss a swollen area?
Gentle cleaning can remove the irritant, but stop forcing the floss if it catches, causes severe pain, or the swelling worsens.
Can a cavity cause gum swelling?
Yes. Decay near a contact or below the gum can trap plaque, and deeper decay can contribute to pulp or root-area infection.
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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.