Swollen gums due to a wisdom tooth are painful, annoying, and troubling, especially if the swelling is lot or won’t go away. One of the reasons that the gums around a wisdom tooth can become inflamed is that the tooth is erupted only partially or not at all, which can make it very difficult to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. This article discusses why your gums may be swollen, symptoms, and at-home treatment options that are really effective at treating swollen and inflamed gums without using home remedies or natural products.
Why Do You Get Swollen Gums Near a Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth can also erupt later than other teeth and be trapped under the gum (impacted) or only partially emerge through the gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to lie over the teeth (called an operculum). This may result in a number of issues, such as:
Food Stuff and Bacteria – Particles can be trapped under the folded gum tissue, causing plaque to build up and gingiva irritation.
Pericoronitis -An infection caused by bacteria which usually appears in the soft tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Neighboring tooth pressure – An impacted wisdom tooth might apply pressure to neighboring teeth, causing some swelling around gums.
Bad oral habits – Inadequate cleaning of the local area can lead to inflammation.
Trauma – Irritation and swelling may develop from biting down or from an overly vigorous brushing in the region.
Some common warning signs you may notice.
When you have an inflammation of the gums around a wisdom tooth, you will be symptomatic in a number of ways:
- Pain spreading to the jaw or ear
- Red, sensitive, or swollen gums
- Unpleasant breath ongoing from bacteria buildup
- Having chewing problem or unable to open the mouth wide enough
- Drainage of pus or a bad taste in the mouth (if infected)
- Enlarged or lumpy lymph nodes in the neck in severe cases
When is it Appropriate for Me to Treat Swollen Wisdom Teeth Gums at Home?
If the gums hurt badly and you don’t have any signs of severe infection, taking care of swollen gums at home can be an option. But the focus with this one is to keep the area as clean as possible until you are able to get to your dentist.”
Here are some essential steps:
- Keep a thorough brushing and flossing regimen, but be careful not to disturb the tender gum region.
- Mouthwash: off-the-shelf antiseptic (preferably alcohol-free) mouthwash, as per recommendation by your dentist to bacterial burden.
- Try to stay on a bland soft diet and do not irritate the area any further.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water during the day to help keep your mouth clean and clear of food debris.reduce
- Symptoms should be monitored closely and dental care sought if swelling progresses.
What Are the Best Local Remedies to Get at the Pharmacy?
On top of brushing and flossing practices, products available over the counter may also provide some relief from the pain and irritation:
Anti-inflammatory analgesic (ibuprofen) – Reduces swelling and helps manage pain.
Over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol) – Can help with pain if ibuprofen doesn’t suit you.
Topical Gels – Dentist-approved numbing gels can temporarily ease gums pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options
| Medication | Use | Note |
| Ibuprofen | Pain relief and reduces inflammation | Should not be taken on empty stomach |
| Paracetamol | General pain relief | Safe for most individuals |
| Topical gels (e.g. dentist-approved gels) | Numbs the affected area temporarily | Apply only on affected gum area |
How to Tell When You Need to See the Dentist Right Away?
Mild swelling may resolve with simple at-home care, but there are some signs that should never be ignored. Any sudden or mysterious pain warrants a visit to the emergency dentist:
- Jaw or facial swelling that suddenly gets worse
- Fevers, chills, or enlarged lymph nodes
- Severe, unrelenting pain not helped by OTC pain medicine
- Swallowing or opening your mouth is troublesome
- Formation of pus or bad taste in the mouth
What Can a Dentist Do to Help?
If you’re still having symptoms, a dentist can offer solutions to help eliminate the problem. These may include:
Professional cleaning – This will help remove trapped food debris and bacteria around the wisdom tooth.
Gum flap irrigation – Spraying the area to get rid of irritants and bacteria.
Antibiotics – If there are signs of infection.
Evaluating the need for extraction – When the wisdom teeth are still leading to recurrent gum inflammation or infections.
In addition, your dentist may suggest check-up appointments to make sure the area is still in good health.
What Is the Relationship Between Causes and Symptoms?
The symptoms you have tend to follow pretty directly from the underlying cause.
Symptoms and Possible Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
| Mild gum swelling | Food debris or plaque accumulation |
| Persistent throbbing pain | Bacterial infection or pericoronitis |
| Jaw stiffness | Spreading infection or impaction |
| Bad breath | Bacterial buildup under gum flap |
What Happens If Gum Swelling Next to Wisdom Teeth is Ignored?
If you do not work to reduce a swollen gum, it can result in a number of problems, including:
- Infection from the abscess in other parts of the mouth or jaw
- Development of a dental abscess
- Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
- Potential damage to surrounding teeth
Prevention and early intervention are key in halting such problems.
Why Luxe Dental Care for Your Wisdom Teeth?
If you’re experiencing swollen gums around your wisdom teeth, you may be in need of quality dental care that you can count on from Luxe Dental Care. Our skilled staff is at the forefront of modern strategies to combat wisdom tooth issues, be it deep cleaning, Inverness wisdom teeth extraction for infection, or a plan of action to keep it from ever happening again. At Luxe Dental Care, we know that people can be stressed and even fearful about their dental problems, but we make it a point to make our patients feel at ease in a caring environment.
By reaching out to Luxe Dental Care proactively, you can preserve your oral health, prevent complications, and make sure your needs are addressed comfortably and powerfully. Get in touch with our caring staff today to book a visit and be on top of your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do gum swellings around a wisdom tooth typically take to go down?
Gentle swelling can be expected to reduce in a couple of days with good oral hygiene and over-the-counter pain medication. If the swelling does not leave, or if it becomes worse, visit the dentist, as this may be a sign of infection.
Can swelling around wisdom tooth gum go away without treatment?
In some instances the swelling might subside without taking any course of action. But if the tooth is blocked, or bacteria are caught, the issue can come back. It’s best to get treatment from a dentist to avoid the problem recurring.
What if I just leave the swollen gums around the wisdom tooth alone?
Untreated swelling can cause an infection to spread, a dental abscess to form, or harm to other teeth in the area. Prompt treatment is essential.
Should I avoid brushing anywhere near the gum area that appears swollen?
No. You will want to continue to brush with a soft toothbrush and floss to get the food and plaque because you don’t want the area to become more irritated.
There are many urgent instances in which I should see a dentist?
If you have severe pain, trouble swallowing, jaw stiffness, fever or swelling of your face, you need to see a dentist promptly.
Is it possible for a dentist to not take out a wisdom tooth if the gums are swollen?
Dentists might postpone the extraction until the swelling or infection has been brought under control. They will likely first offer professional cleaning, irrigation, or antibiotics, before removal is set.
