Why Is My Gum Swollen Around One Tooth in the Back?

Common causes of swollen gum around one tooth in the back

• Abscessed tooth: An infection causing swollen gum around back tooth, often with pain and sensitivity
• Periodontal disease: Infection affecting gums and bone, leading to single tooth gum inflammation back of mouth
• Poor oral hygiene: Plaque buildup can cause swollen gum around one tooth in the back
• Food debris: Incorrect cleaning can leave particles lodged, causing gum swollen around one tooth in the back
• Gingivitis: Early gum disease causing inflammation in the back of mouth
• Aggressive brushing: Can damage gums and create space for bacteria, leading to swollen gum around back tooth

Symptoms to watch for

• Pain when chewing on the tooth with swollen gum in the back
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Swollen face or jaw near the affected back tooth
• Fever associated with single tooth gum inflammation back of mouth
• Tender tooth with swollen gum around one tooth in the back
• Pus-filled pimple on the gum (draining fistula)
• Throbbing or pulsating pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications

Potential complications if left untreated

Short-term risks

• Increased pain and discomfort in the back of mouth
• Spread of infection to nearby teeth
• Difficulty eating or speaking due to swollen gum around back tooth

Long-term risks

• Bone infection supporting teeth
• Swelling in face and neck
• Spread of infection to neck and head
• Tooth loss if severe periodontal disease develops

Prevention and home care

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss to prevent swollen gum around one tooth in the back
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: To help reduce bacteria causing single tooth gum inflammation back of mouth
• Avoid tobacco use: Smoking increases risk of swollen gum around back tooth
• Gentle brushing technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating gums in the back of mouth
• Regular dental check-ups: For early detection of gum swollen around one tooth in the back

When to seek professional help

• Persistent swelling: If swollen gum around one tooth in the back lasts over a week or worsens
• Severe pain: Especially if not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications
• Signs of infection: Such as fever, pus, or spreading swelling in the back of mouth
• Difficulty eating or speaking: Due to single tooth gum inflammation back of mouth

Possible treatments

Non-invasive treatments

• Oral antibiotics to fight infection causing swollen gum around back tooth
• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
• Scaling and root planing for deeper cleaning below the gum line

Invasive treatments

• Draining the infection if an abscess is present in the back of mouth
• Root canal to clean infected pulp and canals
• Tooth extraction if the tooth with swollen gum in the back cannot be saved, followed by a dental implant

FAQ

Why is my gum swollen around one tooth in the back?

The most common causes are infection (abscess), periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, food debris, or an untreated cavity. It's important to have a dentist evaluate the swollen gum, especially if it persists for more than a week or is accompanied by pain.

What are the main swollen gum around back tooth causes?

The primary causes include abscessed tooth, periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, trapped food particles, gingivitis, and aggressive brushing. These factors can lead to inflammation and infection, resulting in swollen gums around a specific tooth.

How can I treat single tooth gum inflammation back of mouth at home?

While professional treatment is often necessary, you can try rinsing with warm salt water, using an antibacterial mouthwash, gently brushing and flossing the area, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a dentist.

When should I see a dentist for a swollen gum around one tooth in the back?

You should see a dentist if the swelling persists for more than a week, is accompanied by severe pain, shows signs of infection (fever, pus), or interferes with eating or speaking. Prompt professional evaluation can prevent complications and provide appropriate treatment.

Can a swollen gum around back tooth lead to serious complications?

Yes, if left untreated, it can lead to more severe issues such as bone infection, spread of infection to nearby areas, facial swelling, and even tooth loss. In rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic health problems. Early treatment is crucial to prevent these complications.