A swollen gum around one tooth is usually a sign of irritation or infection in that one spot. Common causes include trapped food, gum inflammation from plaque, a tooth abscess or a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Swelling with pain, fever or a bump on the gum needs prompt dental care.
When swelling is limited to one area, a dentist will look closely at that tooth and the gum right next to it. Some causes settle once the area is clean. Others, such as an abscess, do not go away without treatment. This guide explains the most common causes, the warning signs to take seriously and what you can safely do while you arrange to be seen.
What causes a swollen gum around one tooth?
MedlinePlus, the patient information service of the National Library of Medicine, describes swollen gums as abnormally enlarged, bulging or protruding gums and notes that gum swelling is common. When the swelling is around a single tooth, these are the causes a dentist will usually consider first:
- Trapped food or debris. MedlinePlus lists food debris as a cause of swollen gums and suggests avoiding foods such as popcorn and chips that can lodge under the gums and cause swelling.
- Gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque on the teeth. MedlinePlus lists swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing and gums that are tender when touched among its symptoms.
- Gum disease. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) explains that periodontal disease is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts with swollen, red and bleeding gums.
- A tooth abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that an abscess can be caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth.
- A partially erupted wisdom tooth. MedlinePlus explains that a partially emerged tooth can trap food, plaque and other debris in the soft tissue around it, leading to inflammation and tenderness of the gums. This is called pericoronitis.
MedlinePlus also lists pregnancy and side effects of some medicines among the possible causes of swollen gums in general. Because several of these causes look alike, an exam is the only way to know which one applies to you.
Is a swollen gum around one tooth serious?
It can be. Mild swelling from trapped food or early gingivitis is often manageable. An abscess is different. MedlinePlus warns that untreated abscesses may get worse and can lead to life threatening complications. The ADA adds that an untreated abscess can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues.
Signs that point toward an infection include:
- A severe or throbbing toothache that does not go away
- Swelling of the gum over the tooth, which may look like a pimple
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
- A swollen area of the upper or lower jaw, which MedlinePlus calls a very serious symptom
If you have noticed a small bump on the gum that comes and goes, our article on gum boils and dental fistulas explains what that can mean.
Does a swollen gum without pain still need attention?
Yes. Pain is not a reliable guide on its own. MedlinePlus describes gingivitis as making the gums tender when touched but otherwise painless. MedlinePlus advises contacting your dentist if you have red, swollen gums, especially if you have not had a routine cleaning and exam in the last 6 months. It also advises contacting your provider if changes to your gums last longer than 2 weeks.
What can you do at home while you wait to be seen?
Home care can help with irritation from plaque or trapped food. It does not treat an infection. Sensible steps include:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, as NIDCR and the ADA recommend.
- Floss gently around the swollen area to remove anything caught under the gum.
- Avoid popcorn, chips and similar foods that can lodge under the gums.
- Keep up with regular visits. The CDC recommends a dental checkup at least once a year, or more often if your provider recommends it.
- Note when the swelling started and whether it is getting larger, so you can describe it at your visit.
If swelling is increasing or you feel unwell, call a dentist rather than waiting it out.
When to see a dentist
Contact a dentist promptly if you notice any of the following:
- A throbbing toothache that does not go away or a bubble or pimple on the gum, which MedlinePlus lists as reasons to contact your dentist
- Fever, a bad taste or swelling of the jaw or face
- Pain in the gums around a partially emerged wisdom tooth
- Gum swelling that keeps coming back in the same place
- Any gum change that lasts longer than 2 weeks
Our symptom guide can help you judge how soon to be seen. It also explains when swelling calls for an emergency room instead, such as swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck or trouble breathing or swallowing.
How is a swollen gum around one tooth treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Gingivitis and early gum disease. NIDCR notes that early gum disease caused by plaque buildup can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing, along with routine checkups and professional cleanings.
- Periodontal disease. According to NIDCR, the main goal of treatment is to control the infection. Our page on periodontal care and gum disease treatment explains how gum health is measured and what deep cleaning involves.
- A tooth abscess. MedlinePlus explains that a dentist might prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. A severe infection may require removing the tooth or surgery to drain the abscess.
- An infected wisdom tooth. The ADA lists infection and gum disease among the reasons a wisdom tooth may need to be removed. Your dentist will examine the area and take an X ray before making any decision.
What to expect at our Palo Alto office
At Palo Alto Oral Health, an independent practice in Midtown Palo Alto since 1958, we start by examining the swollen area and the tooth beside it. X rays are taken when they will help find the cause. We then explain what we see and talk through your options before any treatment begins.
We offer same day emergency visits Monday through Thursday and Friday mornings for patients with swelling or pain. Our office at 2875 Middlefield Road is a short drive from Menlo Park and Stanford.
Common questions
Can a swollen gum around one tooth go away on its own?
Swelling from trapped food or mild irritation may settle once the area is clean. An abscess is different. MedlinePlus warns that untreated abscesses may get worse. If the swelling lasts longer than 2 weeks or comes with pain or fever, have it examined.
Why is my gum swollen around a back tooth?
Plaque buildup and trapped food are possible causes, as with any tooth. Swelling behind the last molar can also come from a partially erupted wisdom tooth, which MedlinePlus says can trap food and debris and cause inflammation. A dentist can tell which cause is involved.
Is a bump on a swollen gum an abscess?
It can be. MedlinePlus describes swelling of the gum over an infected tooth that may look like a pimple as a symptom of an abscess. Because an abscess needs treatment, a bump like this should be examined by a dentist.
If you have a swollen gum that is not settling, please request an appointment or call us at (650) 321-9693.
Sources
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gums, swollen
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tooth abscess
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gingivitis
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Impacted tooth
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Gum Disease
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Abscess
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Wisdom Teeth
This article provides general education and does not replace an individual dental examination or diagnosis.
