Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Plaque-related gum inflammation
A dental or gum infection
Food or another irritant trapped around the gum
Periodontal disease
Irritation around an erupting or impacted tooth
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Rapidly increasing swelling
Swelling with severe tooth pain
Pus, a bad taste or fever
Facial swelling or difficulty opening the mouth
Breathing or swallowing difficulty
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Arrange prompt dental care for painful, persistent or increasing gum swelling.
Do not attempt to drain a swelling yourself or place harsh chemicals on the gum.
Urgent medical attention
Breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty or rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling requires urgent medical attention.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.