What causes swollen gums around tooth
Swollen gum around one tooth may be caused by plaque, trapped food, trauma, a gum pocket, decay, or infection from the tooth..
The short answer
Swollen gum around one tooth may be caused by plaque, trapped food, trauma, a gum pocket, decay, or infection from the tooth.
What does swelling around a single tooth mean?
The gum is the soft tissue forming a collar around each tooth; localized swelling means the inflammation or fluid is concentrated in one area.
What should you do about swelling around one tooth?
Clean gently with a soft brush and interdental cleaning, note pain or discharge, and arrange an examination. The dentist may inspect the gum, test the tooth, and take an X-ray.
When does swelling around one tooth need prompt care?
Seek prompt care for pus, increasing pain, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing, and do not lance the swelling yourself.
What treatment might this swollen tooth need?
Ask whether the tooth needs gum treatment, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal, and how the cause will be confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Could this have another cause?
Yes. An examination is needed when different dental or oral conditions can produce similar symptoms.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring a list of medicines, relevant medical conditions, when the symptom began, and anything that makes it better or worse.
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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.