What Causes Swollen Gum Around One Tooth?

Are you or a or someone from your family suffering from swollen gums around one tooth? This somewhat unnerving oral condition is actually quite common. And often, swollen gums in such a small area are quite difficult to spot. Most people that happen to be suffering from swollen gums around a tooth don’t even notice it until they start flossing and brushing their teeth and randomly bump into it.

If you have a problem with swollen gum around a tooth, you are probably wondering what caused it and what the proper protocol is to take care of it. Luckily, this type of pain and discomfort is usually quite treatable.

Below, we are going to go over the most common dental conditions that cause swollen gums to help alleviate any unnecessary stress you may be feeling over this issue. At least it will give you an idea of what you might be dealing with and some peace of mind as you are on the way to your family’s preferred dental professional. Here are some potential causes for the swollen gums around your tooth:

Common Causes of Swollen Gums Around Teeth

Gum Disease

Not surprisingly, one of the most common causes for pain or swelling in the gums is gum disease. However, most people don’t quite realize how common the occurrence of gum disease is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50 percent of all adults over the age of 30 that live in the United States have some form of gum disease.

You need to make sure that you monitor your gums closely to spot early signs of gum disease and avoid any unnecessary problems. In the earlier stages of gum disease, you will likely notice your gums are starting to get swollen, become red or bleed. Your gums may not even feel any pain at all, during the earlier stages. However, as the disease progresses, you can start to lose teeth as your gums become damaged and recede.

Abscessed Teeth

An abscessed tooth is another very common cause of swollen gums around a tooth. An abscessed tooth is caused when an oral infection that starts as a simple cavity goes untreated and spreads into the rest of the tooth. Once the bacteria that is causing the infection has spread like this, the abscessed tooth will need some type of professional treatment.

A qualified dentist treating an abscessed tooth has a few different options to take care of it. These options include an extensive antibiotic treatment if the infection hasn’t spread too much or more serious options if it has, such as a root canal procedure to remove any infected tissues or removing the infected tooth completely.

Improper Oral Cleaning Regimen

Sometimes swollen gums around one tooth are caused by serious oral conditions. Sometimes they are not. Often, swollen gums are simply caused by oral cleaning regimens that are not as thorough as they should be. If you don’t floss or brush your teeth correctly or regularly, you most likely have quite a bit of food debris stuck between and around your teeth and gums.

Food debris that is left behind in your mouth is a perfect growing place for bacteria and can cause decay and inflammation of the gums. If left unattended over time, an unclean mouth can lead to further inflammation and even gum disease.

If you or a loved one are suffering from swollen gums, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. If you are in the greater Miami, Florida area, please feel free to make an appointment with us at Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry. We are one of the top dental facilities in the area and it would be our pleasure to help eliminate any discomfort you have in your mouth!