Swollen gums are common. They usually point to something that’s easy to fix. However, inflammation that’s localized to one tooth can be worrisome. You might wonder, “Why is my gum swollen around one tooth in the back?” Let’s walk you through the causes and their treatment.
Causes of Swollen Gum Around One Tooth
Swollen gums mean gingivitis. However, if the inflammation is limited to one tooth, the reason can be different. The following are some causes:
- Food Debris
If you have swelling around just one tooth, it might be because food is stuck under your gums. This can lead to decay and inflammation. Brushing and flossing can help remove the debris, and the swelling should go down. If it doesn’t get better after a couple of days, see your dentist. If left untreated, this can cause gum disease, which brings us to the next point. - Gum Disease
According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over 30 in the US have some form of gum disease. This is because of bacteria building up around your gums and forming plaque, a sticky, colorless film. In the early stages, called gingivitis, your gums may become red and swollen. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious condition called periodontitis.
This can cause your gums to recede, your bones to wear away, and your teeth to loosen or even fall out. The good news is that gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene. However, more serious stages are treatable with deep cleaning or, in some cases, surgery. - Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus in your gums caused by a bacterial infection. This usually happens when bacteria reach the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth’s pulp (the soft inner part), often due to tooth decay or a broken tooth.
Symptoms include throbbing pain, red or swollen gums, a swollen jaw or face, a sore tooth, and fever. If you think you have an abscessed tooth, see your dentist immediately. While not usually dangerous, in rare cases, the infection can spread and cause serious problems.
How to Treat a Swollen Gum Around One Tooth in the Back?
Swollen gum treatment depends on the cause. If gum disease is the culprit, a dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) can recommend gum disease treatment. Common dental treatments for swollen gums include:
- Antibiotics.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth more.
- Tooth scaling and root planing (deep dental cleaning).
- Osseous surgery (to reduce the pockets around your teeth).
- LANAP® (laser-assisted new attachment procedure).
If you only have swelling around one tooth, it could mean you have a dental abscess. In this case, a dentist can recommend root canal therapy or a tooth extraction.
If you have swollen gums but you don’t have gum disease, your healthcare provider will need to find out why. They will likely order tests to see if you have another health condition like an infection, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. After they find the cause, they will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Wrapping Up
Gum inflammation is not something highly bothering. However, having soreness around your molar can make you curious about “Why is my gum swollen around one tooth in the back?” It could be something as harmless as stuck food debris or something serious like a dental abscess.
Visit our periodontal specialists at Perio Health Professionals. Our periodontists have years of experience treating various gum and dental issues using modern technology. Call us at (346) 509-9060 for an appointment.
