Swollen gums around one tooth
Swelling around one tooth can reflect trapped plaque, gum disease, irritation, decay, or an infection that needs dental assessment.
The short answer
Swelling around one tooth can come from trapped plaque, gum disease, food injury, a cavity, or an infection near the tooth root.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
This symptom means the gum tissue beside a particular tooth is enlarged, tender, red, or puffy. The source may be the gum pocket, the tooth itself, or tissues around the root, so the appearance alone does not identify the cause.
What can you do next?
Gently brush the area with a soft toothbrush and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Do not cut, squeeze, or puncture the swelling; arrange an examination so the dentist can inspect the pocket, test the tooth, and take an X-ray when indicated.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt dental care if the swelling persists, returns, or is accompanied by toothache, a bad taste, pus, fever, or pain on biting. Urgent medical help is needed if swelling spreads toward the eye or neck or makes breathing or swallowing difficult.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is in the gum pocket, around the tooth root, or related to an erupting tooth. Ask whether you need pocket measurements, a vitality test, or an X-ray, and which treatment addresses the identified cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can this symptom or treatment be diagnosed from the search phrase alone?
No. A dentist may need an examination, tooth tests, gum measurements, or dental imaging to identify the cause.
What should I do if it gets worse?
Contact a dental service promptly, especially when pain, swelling, fever, pus, persistent bleeding, or difficulty swallowing develops.