Localized gum disease? i have a small section of very swollen gum around my right canine tooth. is this some kind of very localized gum disease or could it be something else?

It : It could be a localized problem, or it can be a generalized problem that has gone undiagnosed, but is now giving you a symptom in that one spot. It can also be something else. It is not possible to definitively diagnose problems such as these, over the internet, without a radiograph, sight unseen. Go see a dentist, have an exam with radiographs, and have your condition treated by someone who can actually treat your problem.

Swelling : Swelling is one of the five cardinal signs of inflammation, and certainly something is wrong. The inflammation might be in the gum pocket around the tooth, it might be an ulcer on the gum tissue ( mucous membrane) above the tooth and it could be an abscess pointing out from the root as a result of nerve death. All that is speculation. You need to go and see a dentist and have it evaluated immediately. Let them make the decision about how to proceed. Best wishes dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

It : It could be a localized gum issue, or it could be an endodontic (root canal) issue involving that tooth or another one.

Sure: Yes you can get gum disease in just a localized spot. Please see your dentist.