How to treat swollen gums near a wisdom tooth

Why is the gum near my wisdom tooth swollen?

Cleveland Clinic says swelling next to a back tooth is the hallmark of pericoronitis, usually a wisdom tooth that is partly trapped under the gum. A gum flap can trap food and bacteria, causing infection, and lower wisdom teeth are affected more often. Acute symptoms include fever, strong pain near the back teeth, red and swollen gums, pus or drainage, pain when swallowing, jaw stiffness, facial swelling and swollen neck lymph nodes. Chronic symptoms are a mild recurring ache near the back teeth, bad breath and a bad taste.

How do you treat it at home?

Cleveland Clinic says to rinse with warm salt water three to four times a day, use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day, take over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, brush twice daily, floss once daily and keep up good oral hygiene. These ease symptoms and keep the area clean; they do not remove a trapped flap, so see a dentist. Our guides on stopping wisdom tooth pain and swelling cover more home care.

What will a dentist do?

Cleveland Clinic lists a professional cleaning to flush out debris and remove plaque and tartar, oral antibiotics, a prescription chlorhexidine rinse that can temporarily stain teeth or change taste, removing the gum flap, usually under local anesthetic in under an hour, and extracting the wisdom tooth if problems keep recurring. Treatment is chosen by severity. Book an appointment right away for pain, fever or bleeding gums.

How long does it take to improve?

Cleveland Clinic says mild cases may ease within days, severe cases can take several weeks, and with treatment it usually improves within one to two weeks. It notes that untreated infection can spread and in severe cases become life-threatening, so care should be sought early.

If you have had a wisdom tooth removed

The NHS says pain and swelling usually start to ease after one or two days, bruising on the cheek is possible, and these symptoms can last up to two weeks. Your jaw may be sore and stiff for up to two weeks. It says paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain, but does not say how long to take ibuprofen, so check the packaging or ask a pharmacist. We do not give a stop date because the sources do not.

How to clean your mouth and the wisdom tooth hole

The NHS says to rinse gently with mouthwash or warm salt water to keep the wound clean, and to brush your other teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site so you do not disturb the stitches or the blood clot. The sources we read do not describe flushing the socket. Our guides on food stuck in a wisdom tooth hole and the dry socket pages cover the rest, and your surgeon's leaflet comes first.

Swallowing and jaw stiffness after removal

The NHS says chewing and swallowing may be uncomfortable, so eat soft or liquid food until you can chew more comfortably, and avoid hard or crunchy foods, nuts and seeds that could get stuck in the wound, alcohol and very hot drinks. It says jaw soreness and stiffness can last up to two weeks and does not give exercises for relieving it. Ask your surgeon before trying any.

When to get help after removal

The NHS says to contact an urgent dentist or call 111 if bleeding will not stop after pressing the area firmly for at least 10 minutes with a clean cloth or cotton wool, if pain and swelling are severe or worsening and painkillers are not helping, or if you have pain with a bad taste, a high temperature or feel unwell.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is this pericoronitis, and is the tooth partly covered by gum?
• Do I need antibiotics, a cleaning or removal of the flap?
• Should the wisdom tooth come out?
• How should I rinse and clean the area?
• What should I do if it flares up again?

Frequently asked questions