Inflated teeth

A tooth that looks or feels swollen usually reflects inflamed gum or infection around the tooth, not expansion of the enamel.

People often use this wording for a swollen gum beside a tooth, a lump over the root, or a tooth that feels raised because biting pressure has inflamed the supporting ligament. Common causes include trapped plaque, gum disease, decay reaching the pulp, a dental abscess, food trapped under the gum, or recent trauma.

Rinse gently with warm water, keep brushing the other tooth surfaces, and clean between the teeth without forcing an object into the swelling. Arrange a dental examination, because the dentist may inspect the gum and tooth, test pulp sensitivity and biting tenderness, measure gum pockets, and take a focused dental X-ray to locate decay, bone change, or a root-area infection.

Seek prompt dental care for swelling that persists, returns, or is accompanied by toothache, pus, a bad taste, fever, pain on biting, or difficulty opening the mouth. Get urgent medical help if swelling spreads toward the eye or neck, or if breathing, swallowing, or speaking becomes difficult, because those symptoms can indicate a spreading infection.

Ask whether the swelling starts in the gum, inside the tooth, or around the root, and which examination or X-ray finding shows the cause. Ask whether treatment could involve professional cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, gum treatment, or removal of the tooth, and what signs should prompt immediate reassessment.