Back gum pain is often caused by wisdom teeth erupting, gum disease, or an infection. See a dentist.
Common causes
- Wisdom tooth (third molar) eruption or pericoronitis.
- Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis).
- Food stuck between teeth.
- Abscess.
- Brushing too hard.
Home care
Warm salt water rinse, floss and ibuprofen.
See a dentist
If you see swelling, pus or fever, or pain for more than a few days.
Emergency
Facial swelling with trouble swallowing or breathing.
Wisdom teeth
The most common reason for pain in the back gums is wisdom teeth (third molars). They usually erupt between ages 17 and 25. When there is not enough room, they can become impacted, causing swelling, infection of the gum flap (pericoronitis) and pain. About 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need removal, according to some dental estimates.
Gum disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis cause red, swollen, bleeding gums in the back, where plaque builds up. Periodontal disease affects nearly half of US adults over 30, according to the CDC.
Other causes
- Food trapped between molars.
- A tooth abscess.
- Canker sores.
- Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism).
- Sinus infection, which can cause pain in the upper back gums.
- Injury from hard foods, brushing or flossing too aggressively.
- Ill fitting dentures, crowns or braces.
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy.
Home care
- Rinse with warm salt water several times daily.
- Brush gently with a soft brush and floss carefully.
- Use over the counter pain relievers as directed.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek for swelling.
- Avoid hard, crunchy and spicy food.
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse.
See a dentist if
Pain lasts more than a couple of days, gums swell or bleed, there is a bad taste, pus, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, or you suspect wisdom teeth are erupting. An X-ray can show impaction.
Emergency
Facial or neck swelling, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a high fever with dental pain requires emergency care.
Prevention
Brush twice daily, floss daily, get cleanings every 6 months and don’t smoke.
Wisdom teeth and gum causes
Pain in the back gums is commonly caused by wisdom teeth (third molars), which usually emerge between ages 17 and 25 and can be impacted or partly erupted. A flap of gum can trap food and become infected, called pericoronitis. Gum disease also causes tender, swollen and bleeding gums. The CDC reports that nearly half of US adults aged 30 and over show signs of gum disease.
Care and urgent signs
Rinsing with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water), gentle brushing, flossing, and over the counter pain relievers as directed can help short term. See a dentist for swelling, fever, trouble opening the mouth, pus or pain lasting more than a couple of days. Facial swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing needs emergency care.
Based on data from the American Dental Association and the CDC
