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Suggest Treatment For An Abscess On The Gum Along With Inflammation

Posted on Sat, 8 Apr 2017

Question: Hi. Lately food has been getting stuck in between my teeth on the upper left side mid section of my mouth. When the food gets stuck it hurts and inflames the gum area. I usually have to floss to get the food out, but today i flossed and i guess i flossed rather roughly that it started to bleed. It still hurts when i bite on something. Will salt water help? Have you heard of this before? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, common condition when there is decay in teeth or gum pocket.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

You are having the problem of food lodgement between the teeth and it is most commonly seen when the tooth gets decayed on the wall of tooth that is in contact with the adjacent tooth.

Due to decay the food gets impacted deep in tooth and the gum causing gum infection and gum swelling..

At times if you have gum Infection then also there can be pocket formation in between gum and tooth and it will cause food accumulation in that area..

So to rule out whether it is due to gum or tooth you should consult a Dentist and get an x ray done..

If it is due to tooth decay either filling or Root Canal Treatment ( if decay has reached deep to the nerves) can be done..

If there is gum infection then deep scaling and currettage can help..
You can use interdental brush to clean the area..

As of now you can do warm saline gargles for relief.
If the gum is painful then you can apply Lidocaine gel over it..

Please write back for more queries..

Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (4 hours later)

Thank you. Ive had an apico there several years ago. Would this matter

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please clarify..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..

With apico do you mean Apicoectomy?

Please revert back with answer..

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (57 minutes later)

Yes on that same area about 7 years ago .

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The area could be reinfection..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
There is a possibility that the area is reinfected leading to gum infection causing pocket formation and food lodgement..

But for confirmation an x ray is a must, please get an x ray done and upload the same for review..

Hope this information helps..

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (29 minutes later)

Do you think i can wait until Monday as i am away on vacation?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can wait till monday.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for writing back..

Yes, you can wait till monday,take precautions like keeping the area clean and do not let food accumulate in the area..
Doing warm saline gargles and antiseptic mouthwash gargles can help..

If there is pain then you can take anti inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen..

Hope this helps..

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (2 hours later)

Thank you so much!

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for writing back..

It is a pleasure to help you.
Please update after discussing with your Dentist and upload x ray
For further guidance..

Wish you a good health..

Regards.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng