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 direct answer?
What does this question mean?
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.
What can you do next?
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 you seek dental care?
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.
What should you ask the dentist?
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.