What causes swelling behind the last tooth?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a slight swelling on the skin in my mouth near my back teeth. It is slightly bigger than the other side. It has been there for three days. Though it does not hurt, there is some irritation when I eat or drink. I am not aware whether I bumped it while brushing. If so, then it should have been sore. I do not have any other symptoms.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I think you are having an infection in the area and it got swollen. It may be due to food impaction or decay in the area. You should ask your dentist to either do a small surgery to remove the inflamed flap or just some cleaning of the area might be enough. Take some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory if required.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Mostly it has nothing to do with lower wisdom teeth. Did you extract the upper wisdom tooth on that side? Sometimes, upper wisdom teeth start growing down because of the loss of the lower tooth and start hitting the gums may cause swelling. I cannot see the upper jaw in the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Also, we need to rule out whether you have any part of the wisdom tooth remaining. A good X-ray of the area would give a better diagnosis. Still, a mouthwash like you said might be enough to heal the inflammation.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Then it is nothing to be worried about. By the look, it appears to be not infected. It is just a thick gum formed over the area which can be sometimes asymmetric to the other side. You do not have to be worried. Use mouthwash as required. Fibrous growth in that region is common. If it is painful, then take an anti-inflammatory. Otherwise do not bother, a mouthwash is enough.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.