Swollen gums — causes, home care and when to see a dentist
Gum swelling is common and usually treatable, but the pattern — one area or the whole mouth — helps identify the cause.
Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque-related inflammation, but swelling around a single tooth can signal an abscess, a partly erupted wisdom tooth or trapped food. Swelling with pain, pus, fever or facial swelling needs prompt dental care.
Key facts
- Whole mouth → usually gum inflammation
- One tooth → abscess, wisdom tooth, food trap
- Facial swelling or fever = urgent
- Professional cleaning treats most cases
Common causes
Gingivitis or periodontitis, wisdom tooth gum infection (pericoronitis), a dental abscess, food impaction, braces, pregnancy hormones and some medicines.
What you can do now
Gentle brushing, cleaning between teeth and warm salt-water rinses; avoid poking at the area.
When to book urgently
Facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing or swelling that keeps increasing.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis — red, bleeding gums — and can progress to periodontitis, where bone support is lost and teeth loosen. Early treatment stops the progression.
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.
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Questions patients ask
Patients visit us from Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz, City Walk, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha — and from Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Why is my gum swollen around one tooth?
Often trapped food, an abscess or a wisdom tooth infection; it should be examined.
Can braces cause swollen gums?
Yes, plaque around brackets commonly does.
Do swollen gums go away on their own?
Mild swelling may settle, but the cause usually needs treatment.
Should I take antibiotics?
Only if a dentist prescribes them after examination.
Where can I get swollen gums treatment in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, with Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist). Book by phone, WhatsApp or the form on this page.
Which doctor should I see?
Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist) at Manhal Medical Center.
How do I book an appointment?
Use the form on this page, call +971 4 328 4560, or WhatsApp +971 52 987 2411. Our team will match you with the right doctor.
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Why is my gum swollen around a back tooth, and who can check it in Dubai?
Swelling around a back tooth is often caused by trapped food, gum infection, a wisdom tooth partly through the gum or a tooth abscess, and Dr. Fariba Alnoory at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, can examine it and take an X-ray if needed. Wisdom tooth problems may be referred to oral surgeon Dr. Moataz Al-Khan. Warm salt-water rinses and careful cleaning help in the meantime.
Is gum swelling around a molar with pain an emergency?
Painful swelling around a molar should be seen soon, and Dr. Fariba Alnoory at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai can usually offer an urgent appointment during opening hours. Go to a hospital emergency department if swelling spreads to the face, eye or neck, or comes with fever, difficulty swallowing or difficulty opening the mouth. Antibiotics may be needed, but the cause must also be treated.
What does painless gum swelling around a tooth mean?
Painless swelling can come from a chronic abscess draining through the gum, gum overgrowth or irritation from a filling or crown edge, and Dr. Fariba Alnoory at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai recommends having it checked rather than waiting. A lump that persists for more than two weeks should be examined. Some lesions may need a biopsy with Dr. Moataz Al-Khan.
Where can I get swollen gums treatment in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai — between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist). Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque-related inflammation, but swelling around a single tooth can signal an abscess, a partly erupted wisdom tooth or trapped food. Swelling with pain, pus, fever or facial swelling needs prompt dental care.
What patients say on Google
Verbatim Google reviews (4★ and 5★) — shown in the original language.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Fariba. She is an amazing dentist—very professional, gentle, and caring. She took the time to explain every step of the treatment and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the procedure. Her clinic is clean, modern, and welcoming, and her staff are always friendly and helpful. I'm very happy with the results and truly appreciate her attention to detail. I highly recommend Dr. Fariba to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate dentistDr Fariba is the one dentist I keep going back to, because she is honest, kind, gives advice on making teeth last…Like many people, I don't enjoy the dentist. For many years I avoided visits out of fear. I found Manhal 15 years ago, and he is a wonderful dentist. Calming presence. Excellent implantology as well as other dental work. I have recommended him personally to many friends, and will continue to do so. I just hope he doesn't ever retire. When I have been overseas with dental problems, I have flown back to Dubai specifically to see him. Could not imagine ever going to another dentist.
Talk to the consultant who will treat you
Dr. Fariba Alnoory
General Dentist
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