How to Treat Swollen Gums Near Wisdom Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Swollen gums near the wisdom teeth can be an uncomfortable and concerning issue. Whether you are experiencing this pain yourself or trying to understand it for a loved one, it’s essential to know how to treat swollen gums and address any potential underlying conditions properly. This blog will delve into the causes of swollen gums near wisdom teeth, provide solutions for managing the condition, and explain when to seek professional care.
Understanding Swollen Gums Near Wisdom Teeth
Swollen gums around the wisdom teeth are relatively common and can occur for several reasons. Wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars, often emerge in the late teens or early twenties. However, due to limited space in the mouth, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause issues, including gum swelling, pain, and infection.
Causes of Swollen Gums Near Wisdom Teeth
Several factors can cause swollen gums near wisdom teeth. Below are the primary reasons for this condition:
1. Pericoronitis
A common cause of swollen gums around wisdom teeth is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This condition occurs when the gum tissue partially covers the tooth, creating a flap that can trap food debris, bacteria, and plaque. This can lead to irritation, swelling, and infection.
- Symptoms of pericoronitis: Swollen, tender gums, bad breath, pain near the wisdom tooth, difficulty chewing, and sometimes fever.
- Treatment: Rinse with warm salt water, practice good oral hygiene, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. If the infection persists, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the gum flap.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge fully, they become impacted, meaning they remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swollen gums, pain, and potential infection.
- Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth: Swelling around the affected tooth, pain while chewing, gum disease, and sometimes bleeding gums.
- Treatment: If the wisdom tooth is severely impacted, your oral surgeon may recommend a tooth extraction to alleviate the issue and prevent future complications.
3. Infection
In some cases, swollen gums near wisdom teeth can be caused by an infection from food particles trapped near the tooth or bacteria in the mouth. This infection can lead to gum disease or abscess formation, causing additional pain and discomfort.
- Symptoms of infection: Persistent swelling, tenderness, pus drainage, bad breath, and painful chewing.
- Treatment: Antibiotics prescribed by a dentist or oral surgeon, good oral hygiene, and possible drainage of any abscesses may be needed. In severe cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be required.
4. Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is another common cause of swollen gums around wisdom teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup around the teeth and gums, which, if untreated, can progress to gum disease.
- Symptoms of gum disease: Swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, and receding gums.
- Treatment: Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, along with at-home care such as regular brushing and flossing.
How to Treat Swollen Gums Near Wisdom Teeth
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The foundation of treating swollen gums near wisdom teeth is maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly will help remove plaque and bacteria from around your wisdom teeth.
- Tip: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gum tissue. If your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, take extra care to clean the area with a special focus on the gum flap where food and bacteria can get trapped.
2. Warm Saltwater Rinse
A warm salt water rinse is one of the most effective home remedies for soothing swollen gums near wisdom teeth. The saltwater acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to cleanse the area and reduce inflammation. It also promotes healing by drawing out any excess fluid and preventing infection.
- How to use: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do this several times a day, especially after meals.
3. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful microbes around your wisdom teeth. Look for mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine or other effective antibacterial agents.
- Tip: Use mouthwash after brushing your teeth and before bedtime to keep bacteria under control and reduce swelling around the affected tooth.
4. Cold Compresses
If you are experiencing discomfort due to swollen gums near your wisdom teeth, a cold compress can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Applying cold to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can numb the pain and help with inflammation.
- How to use: Wrap ice in a clean cloth or use a cold pack and apply it to the swollen area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every 2-3 hours for the first day or two.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your swollen gums are causing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. These medications can reduce inflammation and provide relief while your wisdom tooth heals.
- Tip: Always follow the dosage instructions on the medication label, and consult your dentist if you have any concerns or if pain persists.
6. Dietary Changes
If you’re experiencing swollen gums near your wisdom teeth, eating soft foods can help reduce irritation and discomfort. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that might exacerbate the pain.
- Recommended foods: Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soups are easy to eat and won’t aggravate the area. Avoid spicy, acidic, and hot beverages that irritate your gums.
7. Consult Your Dentist
If your swollen gums near wisdom teeth don’t improve after trying home remedies or
over-the-counter solutions, it’s important to seek professional dental care. An oral health professional can properly assess the cause of the swelling and recommend the appropriate treatment.
- What to expect: Your dentist may thoroughly examine your gum tissue and wisdom teeth, potentially using X-rays to assess their position and check for issues such as impacted wisdom teeth or gum disease.
- Possible treatments: Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may suggest a professional dental cleaning, antibiotics if an infection is present, or wisdom tooth extraction if the tooth is impacted or causing significant problems.
8. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
In some cases, wisdom tooth extraction might be necessary, especially if you have impacted wisdom teeth or if a wisdom tooth is causing persistent swelling or infection. This dental procedure involves removing the wisdom tooth to prevent further damage to your oral health.
- What to expect: The extraction procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and your dentist or oral surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Recovery: After wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll need to follow specific care instructions, including using cold compresses, rinsing with warm salt water, and eating soft foods to avoid irritation.
When to Seek Medical Help

While many cases of swollen gums near wisdom teeth can be managed at home, there are situations where you should seek medical attention:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain doesn’t improve with home remedies or over-the-counter pain relievers, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection or gum disease.
- Severe Swelling: If the swelling extends beyond the affected area to the jaw or face, it may suggest a more severe infection that requires professional intervention.
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: If you experience persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth despite brushing, it could be a sign of an ongoing infection that needs medical attention.
- Difficulty Opening Mouth: If swollen gums make it difficult to open or chew, visiting your dentist’s is a good idea to avoid further complications.
- Fever or Pus: If you notice pus coming from the affected area or develop a fever, this is a sign that the infection has spread, and you should consult a dentist in Melton, VIC immediately.
Conclusion
Swollen gums near wisdom teeth can be painful and disruptive, but they can be managed effectively with the right care and attention. Good oral hygiene, warm saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate minor discomfort. However, if the swelling persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as pain, infection, or fever, it’s important to seek professional help from your dentist or oral surgeon.
By understanding the causes and available treatment options for swollen gums near wisdom teeth, you can take proactive steps to maintain your oral health and prevent further complications. Regular dental checkups and attention to oral hygiene are essential in preventing problems with wisdom teeth and ensuring your mouth remains healthy and pain-free.
References
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/pericoronitis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24142-pericoronitis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319461