What Do If Your Tooth Is Swollen: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A swollen tooth or gum can cause pain and make eating difficult. Sometimes, the swelling can also spread to your cheek or jaw. It may seem like a small problem, but it could be a sign of a dental infection that needs quick treatment.

Therefore, if your tooth is swell, first try to understand what may be causing the problem. Contact a dentist as soon as possible to get the right advice and treatment.

At Wandsworth Town Dental Practice, we advise patients not to ignore tooth or gum swelling. Therefore, seeing a dentist early can help identify the cause and prevent the problem from getting worse.

What Causes a Swollen Tooth?

The tooth itself does not usually swell. Instead, the gums or tissues around it may become swollen due to infection, inflammation, or an injury.

Here are some common causes of a swollen tooth or gum.

1. Dental Abscess

For example, a dental abscess is a pocket of pus cause by a bacterial infection. It can develop inside a tooth, around its root, or in the gums.

Common signs include a strong, throbbing toothache, swollen gums, a swollen face, a bad taste in the mouth, and pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold.

A dental abscess needs urgent dental treatment because it will not go away on its own.

2. Gum Disease

Additionally, gum disease can cause your gums to become red, sore, and swollen. They may also bleed easily. It often develops when plaque builds up around the teeth and along the gumline.

Moreover, severe gum disease can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth and keep them in place. So, if your gums stay swollen or bleed often, visit a dentist for proper care.

3. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when bacteria damage the hard outer layer of a tooth. As a result, if tooth decay reaches the soft inner part of the tooth, it can cause swelling, inflammation, or infection.

As a result, you may experience toothache, sensitivity, or swelling around the affected tooth.

4. Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Similarly, a wisdom tooth may not come through the gums completely. As a result, food and bacteria can get trap around it, leading to swelling, pain, and infection.

You may feel pain and swelling at the back of your mouth. You may also notice a bad taste or have trouble opening your mouth.

5. Injury or Damage to a Tooth

Additionally, a cracked, broken, or damaged tooth can allow bacteria to enter its inner part, potentially causing an infection. As a result, the tooth and nearby gums may become painful or swollen.

A dentist can examine the damage and recommend the most suitable treatment.

What Should You Do If Your Tooth Is Swollen?

If you notice swelling around a tooth or gum, follow these important steps.

1. Contact a Dentist Urgently

Do not ignore tooth or gum swelling, especially if you also have a toothache, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for an urgent check-up.

If you think you have a dental abscess, see a dentist urgently, even if the pain is mild. Some dental infections can become serious before you notice clear symptoms.

2. Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Salt Water

Additionally, rinsing your mouth gently with salt water may help keep it clean and soothe irritated gums.

Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gently rinse your mouth with it, then spit it out.

However, do not swallow the salt water. Most importantly, remember that saltwater rinses cannot cure a dental abscess or replace professional dental treatment.

3. Use a Cold Compress

If your cheek is swell, wrap a cold pack in a clean cloth. Hold it gently against the outside of your cheek for short periods to help reduce swelling.

This may help ease the pain and swelling for a short time. However, never place ice directly on your skin or tooth.

4. Choose Soft Foods

Eating can be painful when your tooth or gums are swe. So, choose soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.

Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods if they make the pain worse. Also, try chewing on the other side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on the sore area.

5. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

Keep brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps remove plaque while avoiding extra irritation to the sore area.

Avoid brushing hard on the swollen gum or trying to drain the swelling yourself. This could make the problem worse.

6. Use Pain Relief Safely

If you need pain relief while waiting to see a dentist, ask a pharmacist which medicine is right for you. Always follow the instructions and make sure the medicine is safe for you to take.

Never put aspirin directly on your tooth or gums, as it can damage the tissues. Also, do not take leftover antibiotics without advice from a dental professional.

When Is a Swollen Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Swelling around a tooth can sometimes indicate a spreading infection. Therefore, knowing when to seek emergency help is essential.

Contact a dentist urgently if you experience:

• Swelling around a tooth or gum.
• Persistent or severe toothache.
• Pus or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• Fever alongside dental pain or swelling.
• Increasing swelling in your cheek or jaw.
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing. Seek emergency hospital care if swelling affects the eye or your eyesight.

If you cannot contact a dentist or obtain an urgent appointment in England, call NHS 111 or visit the NHS 111 website for advice.

How Is a Swollen Tooth Treat?

The right treatment depends on the cause of the swelling. Your dentist will examine your mouth and may recommend an X-ray if needed.

Treatment options may include:

Dental Abscess Treatment

A dentist may need to drain the abscess and treat the source of infection. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may involve root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

Antibiotics are not always necessary. A dentist will decide whether they are appropriate based on your symptoms and the spread of infection.

Gum Disease Treatment

If gum disease is responsible, treatment may include professional cleaning and advice on improving your daily oral hygiene.

More advanced cases may require additional periodontal treatment to manage the infection and protect the supporting tissues.

Wisdom Tooth Treatment

If an impacted wisdom tooth causes repeated inflammation or infection, your dentist may recommend treatment based on its position and condition.

Treatment for Tooth Decay

If decay is causing the problem, treatment may involve a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction, depending on how badly the tooth is damage.

Early treatment can help preserve the tooth whenever possible.

Can You Prevent Tooth and Gum Swelling?

Although not every dental problem can be prevent, good oral hygiene can reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are some helpful habits:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Attend regular dental check-ups.
• Seek advice when you notice persistent toothache, bleeding gums, or unusual swelling.
• Avoid delaying treatment for cracked or damaged teeth.

Most importantly, do not wait for swelling to disappear on its own. Early dental assessment can help prevent complications.

Get Dental Advice for a Swollen Tooth in Wandsworth

A swollen tooth or gum can be uncomfortable and worrying. However, prompt dental assessment can help identify the cause and guide you towards the right treatment.

At Wandsworth Town Dental Practice, we provide personalised NHS and private dental care in Wandsworth, London. If you have toothache, swollen gums, or concerns about a possible dental infection, contact the practice to discuss your symptoms and appointment options.

Urgent appointments are subject to availability and clinical assessment. If you have signs of a serious infection, seek urgent medical or dental help rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Contact Wandsworth Town Dental Practice today for dental advice and appropriate care.

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