From the photo, the swelling looks like a localized gum infection or gum abscess on the lower front gums. The bright red swollen bump suggests inflammation, and it may be caused by:

• trapped food/bacteria
• tartar buildup
• gum trauma
• infected tooth root nearby
• periodontal infection

It does not look normal simple irritation anymore.

What you should do now:

1. Continue Betadine gargle, but only:

• 30–60 seconds
• 2–3x daily maximum

2. Start warm saltwater rinses

• This is very important for swelling
• Warm water + 1/2 tsp salt
• Gentle rinse every few hours

3. Brush gently around the area

• Use soft toothbrush
• Do not scrub hard
• Keep the area clean

4. Avoid:

• smoking
• alcohol
• spicy food
• very hot drinks
• poking the swollen area

5. Cold compress outside the lip

• 10–15 minutes
• helps reduce swelling

6. Watch for these danger signs:

• pus
• fever
• facial swelling
• throbbing tooth pain
• swelling spreading
• difficulty swallowing

If any of these happen, you should see a dentist urgently because antibiotics or drainage may be needed.

Based on the image, I strongly recommend a dental check within a few days if swelling does not improve. Gum abscesses sometimes improve temporarily with gargle but return because the source of infection remains under the gum.

You can also tell me:

• how many days this has been swollen
• if there is pain level 1–10
• whether the tooth feels loose or painful when biting

and I can help assess how serious it may be.

If it has already been swollen for 16 days even after finishing the medicine, you really should have this examined by a dentist soon. A gum swelling that persists that long is commonly caused by:

• a hidden dental abscess
• infected tooth root
• periodontal pocket infection
• cyst-like gum infection
• tartar deep below the gums

The photo shows a very inflamed localized swelling, and mouthwash alone usually cannot fully cure the source if infection is trapped underneath.

For now:

• Continue warm saltwater rinses frequently
• Limit Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash to short 30–60 second rinses only
• Keep brushing gently
• Avoid squeezing or popping the swelling

Very important:
If the bump feels soft, has pus, bad taste, or keeps enlarging, it may need:

• drainage
• deep cleaning
• X-ray
• root canal treatment
• or tooth extraction depending on the cause

Because it has lasted over 2 weeks despite medication, I would not rely on gargling alone anymore.

You should seek urgent care sooner if you develop:

• fever
• facial swelling
• severe throbbing pain
• swollen lymph nodes
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

A dental X-ray is usually the fastest way to find the real source.

Related Resources

If your gums remain swollen even after taking antibiotics, the underlying infection may not have been completely eliminated. The following expert guides explain the most common causes, warning signs, treatment options, and when immediate dental care is necessary:

• Swollen Gums Around a Dental Crown: Learn why gum tissue around a dental crown may become painful, swollen, or infected, and discover the next treatment steps.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/swollen-gums-around-dental-crown-yonkers-dentist-explains-why-it-hurts-and-what-do-next
• Swollen Gums (100% Clinical Analysis): A comprehensive guide covering the causes of swollen gums, healing timelines, emergency warning signs, and professional treatment options.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/content/swollen-gums-100-zoom-deep-clinical-analysis-causes-healing-timeline-when-worry
• Red Gums Around a Root Canal Tooth: Understand why gums may remain red or swollen after root canal treatment and whether the tooth can still be successfully saved.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/red-gums-around-root-canal-tooth-santa-rosa-california-can-tooth-still-be-saved-2026-expert-guide
• Lower Front Gum Inflammation Case Analysis: Review a real clinical case involving inflamed lower front gums, plaque accumulation, and professional periodontal treatment.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/lower-front-gum-inflammation-case-analysis
• Smoking and Receding Gums: Discover how smoking damages gum tissue, accelerates gum disease, and slows healing after dental treatment.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/smoking-and-receding-gums-40-year-olds-story-tooth-damage-gum-disease-and-recovery
• Bleeding Gums and Bad Breath: Learn why daily bleeding gums and persistent bad breath may indicate advanced gum disease rather than a temporary infection.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/my-gums-bleed-every-day-and-my-breath-smells-bad-usa-dentist-explains-how-drinking-soda-may-be
• Swelling Around a Root Canal Tooth: Explore the possible causes of continued swelling after root canal therapy, including reinfection, fractured roots, and treatment failure.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/swelling-and-red-coloring-around-root-canal-tooth-stockton-california-expert-diagnosis-causes-and
• Plaque-Induced Gum Inflammation: Learn how plaque buildup leads to gum inflammation, bleeding, and periodontal disease, and how professional cleaning can reverse early-stage gingivitis.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/gum-inflammation-plaque-buildup-treatment-cebu
• Split Tooth Root Canal Guide: Find out whether a cracked or split tooth causing persistent gum swelling can still be saved with root canal treatment or if extraction is the better option.
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/split-tooth-root-canal-modesto-california