Gum pain in the back of your mouth might make you think that your wisdom tooth is coming in. Usually, swollen gums in the back of one’s mouth indicate wisdom tooth eruption, infection, gum disease, stuck food particles, and more. But what causes swollen gums? In this blog, we’ll talk about the reasons why your gums have become inflamed.
Why Do I Have Swollen Gums in the Back of My Mouth?
The gums behind your molars can have swelling due to a condition known as pericoronitis. If so, you’ll experience gum pain, swelling, and discomfort in the back of your mouth. Usually, it occurs near wisdom teeth when they erupt.
When your wisdom tooth erupts partially, it provides bacteria with an opening to invade the gums, causing an infection. Moreover, a food particle or plaque can get stuck under the gum flap over the wisdom tooth. Over time, irritation occurs in the gums, and pericoronitis occurs. The swelling can spread to your jaw, neck, and cheeks if the condition becomes severe.
Pericoronitis Symptoms
If you have this condition, the following indications will appear:
- Pain
- Swollen gums
- Infection
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Trouble opening and closing the mouth
- Swollen nymph
Let your dentist know straight away if you’re experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms. They can take a dental X-ray and examine your mouth to see if you have pericoronitis.
Pericoronitis Treatment
If the swollen gums in the back of your mouth are a result of pericoronitis, your dentist can treat it depending on the level. They’ll recommend saltwater rinses in case the swelling has not extended beyond the tooth. After that, you’ll have to be careful not to let food particles get trapped in that region.
You might need antibiotics in case the tooth, cheek, and jaw have become swollen, resulting in pain. Furthermore, you can ask your dentist for pain prescriptions as well.
In some cases, the swollen gums in the back of the mouth might require oral surgery. This is because the inflammation might be severe. In this scenario, your oral surgeon or dentist will suggest the removal of the gum flap or the wisdom tooth.
What are the Other Causes of Swollen Back Gums?
There are other factors that might cause swelling in the back of your mouth. These include:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth using the wrong technique
- Oral Infections
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, or
- menopause
- Mouth ulcers, like canker sores
- Deficiency of vitamins
- Irritation or allergic reaction to foods, medications, etc.
- Mouth burns due to having something too hot, like coffee, pizza, and more
- Faulty dental restorations can lead to problems like swollen gums with braces
- Misaligned Teeth
Preventing Swollen Back Gums
You can prevent swollen and painful gums in the back of your mouth. The following tips might help:
- Brush and floss regularly, using the proper techniques
- Maintain a well-balanced diet
- Keep yourself hydrated and drink water, especially after eating something
- Indulge in activities to reduce stress
- Make sure you have a healthy sleep hygiene
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
What Should I Do?
If the gums in the back of your mouth are swollen, it’s usually due to a condition called pericoronitis. Other than this, gum disease, improper brushing or flossing, and many other causes can also cause sore gums. Our Waller Dental team is always prepared with the most effective procedures to treat your dental health issues. Talk to us at (936) 372-2673. You can also visit our dental clinic and meet us by dropping by at 31315 F.M. 2920 Rd., Ste. 16A Waller, TX 77484.