Swollen gums back of mouth
Swelling at the back of the mouth may surround a molar or wisdom tooth and result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, or infection.
The short answer
Swollen gum at the back of the mouth may surround a molar, wisdom tooth, or erupting tooth and can result from plaque, trapped food, trauma, or infection.
Why can a gum flap over a tooth become inflamed?
A gum flap over a partly erupted tooth can trap food and bacteria, causing pericoronitis. Decay, periodontal pockets, biting trauma, and abscesses can look similar.
How can you care for swollen gum at the back of the mouth?
Clean gently with a soft brush and choose softer foods temporarily. Do not place objects under a gum flap or use leftover antibiotics.
When does swelling at the back of the mouth need care?
Seek care for pain, pus, bad taste, fever, reduced mouth opening, or recurrent swelling. Facial or neck swelling needs urgent attention.
Could the swelling be pericoronitis, decay, or an abscess?
Ask whether this is pericoronitis, decay, gum disease, trauma, or abscess, and whether an X-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What should I avoid?
Do not place objects under a gum flap or use leftover antibiotics
When should I arrange an examination?
Seek care for pain, pus, bad taste, fever, reduced mouth opening, or recurrent swelling.
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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.