Are you gums swollen or painful around your wisdom tooth? You’re not alone. Swelling in the gum area around a wisdom tooth is a common dental issue, particularly in your late teens to mid-20s. But while some swelling is temporary, it can also signal a deeper problem requiring attention — and possibly removal.
At Whites Dental, with convenient locations in Waterloo (SE1) and Marble Arch (W2), we help hundreds of Londoners each year understand and treat wisdom tooth-related issues, from gum swelling to full surgical extractions.
In this guide, we’ll explain the causes, symptoms, treatment options and when you should visit a dentist for swollen gums around a wisdom tooth.
👉 Book a wisdom tooth extraction appointment in London
What Causes Swollen Gums Around A Wisdom Tooth?
Swollen gums can be a natural response to pressure, infection or impaction caused by a wisdom tooth. The most common causes include:
Eruption process
Wisdom teeth often erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood. As they push through the gums, swelling and tenderness can occur.
Impacted wisdom tooth
If the tooth is stuck beneath the gum or grows at an angle, it can create pressure and inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue.
Pericoronitis
This is a relatively common infection of the gums. It happens when your gum flap, that exists over a wisdom tooth that’s only partially erupted, starts to trap and accumulate food – leading to plaque and bacteria accumulation, and as a result an infection.
Poor oral hygiene
Difficulty cleaning around a partially erupted or misaligned wisdom tooth can lead to plaque build-up, which irritates the gums.
Wisdom Tooth Related Gum Swelling Symptoms
Here’s what to look for if your gums are swollen near a wisdom tooth:
- Puffiness at the back of the mouth along with redness
- Tender or painful gums when chewing or brushing
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste.
- Limited jaw opening (trismus).
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw.
- Occasional bleeding when brushing
💡 If any of these symptoms persist for more than 2–3 days, it’s best to book an appointment at Whites Dental in Waterloo or Marble Arch.
When Swollen Gums Mean Trouble
Sometimes, swelling is temporary and resolves on its own. But in many cases, it can be a warning sign of a deeper issue:
Infection (Pericoronitis)
A gum infection that takes hold around your wisdom tooth can spread rapidly. The infection can cause fever, pain and swelling to the jaw. Prompt treatment is critical.
Impaction
If the tooth is unable to erupt properly, the surrounding gum tissue may become inflamed, and cysts or damage to nearby teeth may occur.
Tooth decay or gum disease
Swelling can also indicate decay in the wisdom tooth or early signs of gum disease in the surrounding tissue.
💡 Don’t ignore recurring or worsening gum swelling — early intervention can prevent complications and often save time, pain, and cost.
Home Remedies For Minor Gum Swelling
If the swelling is mild and just starting, these home remedies may offer short-term relief:
1. Cold compress
Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation.
2. Warm salt water rinse
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 250ml water) to soothe gums and kill bacteria.
3. Over-the-counter pain relief
Ibuprofen or paracetamol can reduce swelling and pain. Always follow dosage instructions.
4. Maintain oral hygiene
Brush gently around the swollen area and avoid sugary foods to prevent further irritation.
💡 Important: If symptoms persist or worsen after 48 hours, professional evaluation is advised.
Professional Treatment Options At Whites Dental
At Whites Dental, our dentists will diagnose you first and then advise the best treatment for your swollen gums. Treatments may include:
1. Examination & x-rays
We’ll take X-rays to determine the position of the wisdom tooth and whether it’s causing the swelling.
2. Cleaning & irrigation
For cases of pericoronitis, we clean around the tooth and irrigate the area to remove trapped bacteria and debris.
3. Antibiotics
If the dentist identifies an infection, they may prescribe a small course of antibiotics to address the infection and reduce gum inflammation before any further treatment.
4. Gum flap removal
If swelling is caused by a recurring gum flap, it may be surgically removed to eliminate future infections.
5. Wisdom tooth extraction
For chronic or severe cases, removing the wisdom tooth is often the best long-term solution. We offer both simple and surgical extractions at both of our London clinics.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Extraction?
If your wisdom tooth is removed, you may experience some post-op swelling. This is completely normal and typically follows this timeline:
- Day 1–3: Swelling peaks, cold compress helps
- Day 4–7: Swelling subsides, pain improves
- Week 2+: Full recovery for most simple extractions
Swelling after a wisdom tooth extraction is completely normal and typically lasts between 3 to 5 days, peaking around the second or third day. This happens as your body’s natural response to healing the surgical site. After day three, swelling should gradually reduce, with most people noticing a significant improvement by the end of the first week.
To help minimise swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. After the first day, you can switch to a warm compress to promote blood flow and healing. Keeping your head elevated when resting also helps reduce fluid buildup.
If swelling persists beyond a week, becomes worse, or is accompanied by fever, severe pain, or difficulty opening your mouth, it could be a sign of infection or another complication, and you should contact your dentist right away.
At Whites Dental, our experienced dentists in Waterloo (SE1) and Marble Arch (W2) provide detailed aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery, ensuring a smooth and comfortable healing process. Following your dentist’s advice carefully will help speed up recovery and minimise post-extraction swelling.
💡 We provide detailed aftercare instructions and offer follow-up appointments at both our locations for peace of mind.
Come See Us At Whites Dental In London Waterloo Or Marble Arch
If you’re dealing with swollen gums or suspect a wisdom tooth issue, our expert team is here to help.
Whites Dental Waterloo
Address: 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
Phone: 020 8616 0590
Nearby: Southwark, Waterloo, Borough
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
Address: 52B Kendal Street, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
Phone: 020 3576 2325
Nearby: Paddington, Edgware Road, Marylebone, Hyde Park
Prevention Tips
Avoid gum swelling around wisdom teeth by adopting these practices:
- Brush twice daily, especially the back molars.
- Floss or use interdental brushes.
- Rinse with mouthwash or salt water
- Attend regular dental check-ups.
- Act early if you feel pressure or pain
To avoid gum swelling around your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene and healthy habits. Start by brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing carefully to remove trapped food particles near the back of your mouth — a common spot where bacteria build up. Use an antibacterial or saltwater mouth rinse daily to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, especially if your wisdom teeth are partially erupted.
Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can irritate the gums and increase bacterial growth. Stay hydrated, as dry mouth can worsen bacterial accumulation. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial for monitoring your wisdom teeth, even if they aren’t causing pain. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum inflammation or infection before they develop into more serious issues.
If you feel pressure, tenderness or notice redness around your gums, don’t ignore it — early treatment can prevent complications like pericoronitis or gum abscesses.
Summary
| Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Eruption pain | Saltwater rinse, OTC pain relief |
| Pericoronitis | Cleaning, antibiotics, possible surgery |
| Impaction | Wisdom tooth removal |
| Gum infection or decay | Scaling, antibiotics, extraction if needed |
Book Your Appointment Today
Whether you’re managing discomfort or dealing with recurrent swelling, Whites Dental offers expert, same-day appointments to help you get relief — fast.
📞 Waterloo (SE1) – 020 8616 0590
📞 Marble Arch (W2) – 020 3576 2325
Book your appointment at our wisdom tooth removal clinic.