Do you have swollen gum around one tooth?
While gum inflammation is pretty common, swollen gums around one tooth could signify poor dental hygiene, abscess, and more. Or, it could be something as simple as food stuck in gums as a result of inadequate brushing or flossing. To learn all about localized swelling around a single tooth, carry on reading!
“My Gum is Swollen Around One Tooth” — Possible Causes
Here are some reasons you may have swollen gum around one tooth:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Food and debris can become lodged between the tooth and gum line, which can lead to plaque buildup. You should maintain proper dental hygiene to ensure food particles and debris are removed. Otherwise, it can result in tooth decay and gum disease over time.
- Gum Disease: You may be dealing with periodontal disease if the gums around your teeth have an infection or inflammation. Excessive plaque buildup could be behind the infection, and over time, plaque hardens into tartar. You will need to visit a periodontist to assess which level of gum disease you have and proceed with adequate treatment. Therefore, periodontal disease could be the reason you have swollen gum around one tooth.
- Abscess: Pus can form with a tooth or the surrounding structures as a result of bacterial infections, which could lead to a dental abscess. A dental abscess occurs when the infection invades the jawbone from the root tip, and it can become pretty severe if not treated. Periapical abscess and periodontal abscess are the two types of dental abscess — no matter which one you have, gum abscess can occur.
How to Treat a Swollen Gum Around One Tooth
Below, we have listed some ways you may be able to treat the swollen gum around one tooth:
- Antiseptic Mouthwash: While you cannot remove existing plaque and tartar with the help of an antiseptic mouthwash, it is pretty effective in controlling additional plaque bacteria.
- Saltwater Rinses: Saltwater is THE holy grail of dental health — a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water, and you have the magic solution that reduces inflammation, among other benefits. Use it three to four times a day, and your swollen gums will significantly improve. Still, visit your periodontist rather than relying on this remedy!
- Professional Cleaning: In the end, nothing compares to professional procedures. One or more sessions of professional dental cleaning will remove tartar from teeth, which prevents the progression of mild gum disease.
- Root Planing: Your periodontist might suggest deep dental cleaning called root planning to remove excessive plaque and tartar. This is also effective in treating swollen gum around one tooth.
- Incision & Drainage: Your dentist might make an incision in the abscess and drain the infected pus, removing it. Then, the affected area is flushed using a saline solution. Though you require additional treatments, incision, and drainage is useful in reducing inflamed gums.
Final Takeaway
You may have swollen gum around one tooth due to poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or dental abscess. Dental procedures can resolve the issue, but severe cases might require tooth extraction.
Our Perio Health Professionals team offers effective treatments so you can have a healthy smile. Call us now at (713) 783-5442 or visit us at 3400 S Gessner Rd # 102, Houston, TX 77063, United States.