Why Are My Gums Swollen Around My Wisdom Teeth?
Swelling in the gums around wisdom teeth is a common concern. For many people, swelling is a temporary side effect of teeth pushing through the gums. In other cases, it may signal infection or indicate that the teeth are impacted below the surface
Simple at-home remedies such as rinses and warm compresses can help to ease the discomfort of swollen gums, but persistent or painful swelling often requires professional evaluation and care. The oral surgeons at Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are here to make the process as efficient, effective, and as comfortable as possible—all the way from diagnosis to treatment.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of swelling around the wisdom teeth, warning signs of a serious concern, when home remedies can help, when it’s time to see a surgeon, and professional treatment options that can offer long-term relief.
What Causes Gum Swelling Around Wisdom Teeth?
The gums around wisdom teeth may swell due to eruption, infection, or impaction. Swelling can occur whether the teeth are fully erupted, partially erupted, or still completely hidden in the gums.
Mild swelling is completely normal when the teeth begin to emerge through the surface of the gums. It typically resolves when the teeth reach their final size and position. However, if swelling is persistent, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms such as bad breath or bleeding, it may indicate a more serious condition.
Pinpointing the exact cause of your swelling is essential to decide whether home remedies will help or if professional intervention is needed.
Multiple Teeth Erupting at Once
As wisdom teeth grow through the gums, they press against the surrounding tissues, causing irritation and mild swelling.
Wisdom teeth typically appear in the late teens or early 20s, and it’s not unusual for them to all erupt around the same time. Most adults have one wisdom tooth per side on each jaw, for a total of four. While they may not be directly connected, multiple teeth growing in at once increases the strain on gum and jaw tissues, resulting in more swelling and discomfort.
Impacted or Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that do not erupt into the right position are impacted. A fully impacted tooth is not visible. It becomes trapped in the gums or jaw and can create significant problems below the surface, placing pressure on the gums, on the jaw, or on nearby teeth.
When a tooth partially erupts, flaps of gum tissue may form around the tooth, creating spaces where food and bacteria become trapped. This commonly leads to inflammation and a bacterial infection known as pericoronitis.
You can read more about it in the article What is Pericoronitis?
Oral Hygiene Challenges
While the wisdom teeth were necessary to the survival of early humans, evolving diets meant that these teeth became less important over time. Because modern jaws are smaller and narrower, there is often little room for a third set of molars, or for the tools to keep them clean.
Wisdom teeth are positioned at the very back of the mouth, a spot that is difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Over time, an accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and plaque can cause gum irritation, inflammation, infection, and swelling, even with the best hygiene efforts.
Gum and Health Factors
Not all gum swelling is the same. The thickness of your gums, the size of your jaw, and your overall immune health all affect whether swelling resolves on its own or becomes chronic. These factors also influence whether your wisdom teeth have enough space to grow in straight, or whether they’re likely to cause ongoing irritation and infection.
How Do I Know If It’s An Infection or Just Normal Swelling?
It’s important to distinguish between routine swelling and symptoms that signal infection. Warning signs include:
- Persistent swelling
- Bad or metallic taste in the mouth
- Bleeding or pus around the gums
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Fever
A gum infection is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment. Delaying care can allow the infection to spread throughout the mouth—or even into the bloodstream—causing severe health complications.
If you suspect your wisdom tooth or gums may be infected, learn more in our article: “Is My Wisdom Tooth Infected?”
What Can I Do At Home For Relief?
While professional care is often necessary, there are several home remedies that may temporarily ease gum swelling and discomfort:
- Rinse with warm saltwater, mixing one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water
- Gently brush and floss to remove buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food particles
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter medications for pain relief
- Apply a paste of 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and warm water directly to the gums
These methods provide short-term relief, but they don’t address the underlying cause. If swelling continues or worsens, consult an oral surgeon right away. The highly skilled, dual-degree team at Bergen Oral Surgery can help you identify and treat the root cause of swelling and provide lasting relief.
Because swelling is a common occurrence after oral surgery, we also offer our patients some instructions in this guide: After Oral Surgery.
When Should I See An Oral Surgeon For Swollen Gums?
If you are experiencing severe pain, recurring swelling, difficulty opening mouth, or clear signs of infection—especially if it seems to be spreading—it’s time to seek professional care.
Early evaluation and treatment of swollen gums is critical to prevent complications such as abscesses, severe gum disease, or damage to neighboring teeth. Untreated infections like pericoronitis can even spread to the sinuses and negatively impact your overall health.
You can learn more about Bergen Oral Surgery and becoming a new patient by accessing our Patient Resources portal.
Safe, Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Removal in NJ
If you’re struggling with swollen gums around your wisdom teeth, don’t wait to contact an oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth extraction is often the most effective treatment for swelling caused by infection—and it’s one of the best ways to prevent future problems too.
For more than 70 years, Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has been trusted by both dentists and patients. Our dual-degree surgeons are trained in dentistry and medicine, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each patient, and we prioritize comfort and efficiency to help your get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
With more than 2,000 Google reviews and near-perfect ratings across all four locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood, you can feel confident you’re in excellent hands for your wisdom teeth care.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
