7 Ways To Deal With Swollen Gum Tissue Around One Tooth

Developing a bump on gum every now and then is common and usually harmless if it goes down after some time without medical intervention. However, a swollen gum pocket around one tooth that does not seem to be getting better is a sign of concern. Let’s discuss some common causes and ways to treat this issue. 

What Makes Your Gum Puffy Around One Tooth?

Here’s why your gums may be bulging out: 

1. Lack of Adequate Oral Hygiene

Sometimes, food debris may get stuck between the tooth and gum line and start accumulating there. In such a situation, simply rushing does not work, and only proper flossing can remove this. Therefore, if you do not have the habit of cleaning between teeth, the accumulated gunk can cause the gum around that one tooth to swell. If you spot any of these signs, take it as a signal for your gums crying for help: 

• Bleeding gums while brushing
• Pale or red gums
• Swollen gums
• Tooth loosely hanging in the mouth 
• Pus oozing out
• Halitosis or bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth 

2. Gum Disease

When the level of positive normal flora in your mouth exceeds, those harmful bacteria infect your gums, causing inflammation and leading to periodontal disease. However, it does not go straight to the end stage. It starts with gingivitis, which is the early stage that shows up with signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, and tender gums. At this point, the disease can be easily reversed. However, it may develop into a more severe stage, periodontitis, if left as it is. This latter stage presents itself with a swollen gum around one tooth or more. 

3. Dental Abscess

It is possible for your gum to be swollen around one tooth because of pus collection, known as a dental abscess. It is a consequence of advanced gum disease. In case of an abscessed tooth, you must get help from your dentist immediately. This advanced level of infection won’t go on its own and may turn the situation fatal if left untreated.

4. Other Causes

If none of the causes fit, you may get a swollen gum around a tooth due to poor, ill-fitting dental appliances such as dentures, any viral or fungal infection, or as a medication side effect, toothpaste allergies, etc. 

A few Signs to Look Out For 

For an abscessed tooth, you may experience quite a few symptoms in addition to the swollen gums, like:

• Teeth hurt when you bite down.
• Salty taste in your mouth
• Neck, face, or jaw swelling
• High fever
• Soreness around tooth 
• Tenderness or swelling of gums surrounding that one tooth.
• Pus-filled pimples on the gums
• Stinging pain that does not get better even after using over-the-counter pain medications.

Treating a Swollen Gum around One Tooth

The good news is that dentists have quite a few treatment options to heal inflamed gums. Whether the gum is swollen around one tooth or is multiple teeth at once, these options can help you find relief: 

1. Book bi-annual professional teeth cleaning treatment. There are some places your brush cannot reach, but professionals can with their specialized tools.
2. Periodontal surgery can prevent the germs and bacteria from spreading further in your mouth in case of gum disease.
3. Abscess drainage by your dentist.

Additional tips 

4. Keep up with a good oral hygiene regime that consists of brushing and flossing teeth after every meal or, if not, at least 2 times every day. 
5. To minimize the pain and chances of cavities between teeth, you may use waxed floss to get the food remains lodged between your teeth and gums.
6. Purchase an interdental toothbrush that can clean deep areas efficiently.
7. Rinse and gargle your mouth with a salt and water solution.

Closing Note 

Gums swelling up is a normal thing when it goes down after some time on its own. However, if it has turned red, tender, or is painful to touch, get professional help immediately. You can contact our specialist, Dr. Ram Nallapaneni, DDS, from the University of Illinois, Chicago, a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), at Riverside Family Dental for help and questions and what treatments we have to deal with this problem. Give us a call at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.