Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Gums And Tenderness

Posted on Sat, 11 Feb 2017

Question: Hello! I believe I have an impacted wisdom tooth or maybe pericoronitis. The gums around the area is swollen, including a flap over lapping the tooth. I can't chew on that side without discomfort and it is causing pain in my ear and mild swelling in my face as well as mild swelling and tenderness in the surrounding glands. I have a severe fear of dentists so I was wondering if I could help fix this at home, or if I must visit my dentist. Thanks in advance!

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like Pericoronitis only..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for your query and I will try my level best to resolve it..

According to your explanation if you have impacted wisdom tooth and the gum flap over it is swollen then it is probably due to food debris accumulation between gum flap and impacted wisdom tooth..
Due to food accumulation there is Infection leading to the symptoms of swollen gum flap and swelling on face and tender lymph nodes..
Pain in ear is radiating pain from wisdom tooth site..

As you are already taking Ibuprofen, you can continue with the same but it will provide only pain relief.
So you need a course of antibiotics along with painkillers to reduce Infection..
As antibiotics are prescription medications therefore you should consult a Dentist and get evaluated .
He will advise you antibiotics along with painkillers and also clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic solution..

Along with it you should do warm saline gargles..
Gargle with antiseptic mouthwash..
Do cool compresses over the swollen cheek and glands..
Keep the area between gum flap and wisdom tooth clean and do not let food particles accumulate..

Please revert back for further queries..

Hope this information helps..

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (16 hours later)

Okay, I did use a light to look in the mirror and noticed white/ yellow spots or splotches in my mouth and throat, especially on the side with the problem tooth. Is this normal with pericoronitis?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like canker sores, nothing to worry..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..

White and yellow spots in the mouth and throat on the side where you have problem with wisdom tooth looks like canker sores and can occur at times due to infection and inflammation..

Do not worry about it as they will subside gradually when the Pericoronitis will get resolved..

Doing warm saline gargles can be helpful in providing relief..

Hope this information helps..

Regards.

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