Why is My Gum Swollen in the Back?

Common Causes of Swollen Gums in the Back

Wisdom teeth eruption or impaction is by far the most common cause of localized gum swelling at the rear of the mouth, particularly in people in their late teens to mid-twenties. Here’s why:

Eruption

The process of wisdom teeth (third molars) starting to pierce the gum line is a big one. The gradual emergence of the tooth can cause swelling, tenderness, and inflammation of the gums. Although it can be rather unpleasant, this is a normal component of the eruption process.

Impaction

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can exert pressure on the surrounding gums and neighboring teeth because it is lodged and unable to emerge normally, developing at an angle or locked beneath the bone. As the body attempts to deal with the stubborn tooth, this continuous pressure may occasionally result in swelling and inflammation.

Pericoronitis

A very common and frequently recurrent issue with wisdom teeth that have partially erupted is pericoronitis. An operculum, a flap of gum tissue, may cover a portion of a wisdom tooth that has only partially erupted. This produces the ideal environment for food particles, plaque, and bacteria to grow in a warm, damp, and challenging-to-clean pocket.

Other Causes

Here are a few other causes of swollen gums in the back:

Gum Disease

Even though the whole gum line is impacted by generalized gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), it can occasionally be more noticeable or start in certain places, such as the rear molars.

Food Impaction

Occasionally, a difficult food item (such as popcorn kernels, stiff meat fibers, or seeds) may become firmly embedded between two teeth or between your last tooth and the gum tissue.

Reactions to Dental Treatment

The surrounding gum may become briefly inflamed as it heals if you just had a crown, filling, or other dental treatment done on a back molar. Although uncommon, allergic reactions to dental materials can occur.

Abscess

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection. Localized swelling and severe, throbbing pain are common symptoms of an abscess.

When to See a Dentist

If you have significant or ongoing gum swelling at the rear of your mouth, it’s essential to see a dentist because there are several possible causes. Don’t ignore it or attempt self-diagnosis. Get dental help right away if you observe the following:

• Discharge of pus from the enlarged region.
• Swelling that swells your neck and cheeks.
• Excruciating ache that doesn’t go away.
• Having trouble expanding your mouth completely.
• Prolonged swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days.
• Colds, fever, or an overall feeling of unwellness.

Summing Up!

The best way to avoid swollen gums in the back issues is to maintain good oral hygiene, which includes consistent brushing and flossing. You may resume smiling and eating comfortably with early diagnosis and treatment, which can save mild problems from becoming more serious.

If you’ve questions about gum issues, talk to our dentist, Dr. Reza Rahgozar, DDS, at Pure Dental Center. Call us at (832) 831-3090 to schedule your appointment!