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What Causes Gum Sensitivity Along With Puffiness And Sensitivity Inside The Cheek?

Posted on Tue, 8 Mar 2016

Question: Hello, so this past friday i've noticed some sensitivity in the left side of my gums, usually it goes away after a day of brushing, however the sensitivity remained towards my gums behind my left bottom molars. Yesterday (Saturday) the inside of my cheek felt sensitive and is a little puffy, along with the gums under my cheek connecting to my teeth. I'm not sure if I should go to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like gum Inflammation, needs more details..

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain sensitivity of the gums along with puffiness and sensitivity inside the cheek can be due to causes like Gum infection, gum inflammation around wisdom tooth known as PERICORONITIS etc..

I would like to know a few more details so that I can guide you better towards treatment..

1.Are the gums on the lower left side are now sensitive only on back most teeth or any slight sensitivity left with other left lower teeth ?
2.Is there any pain or fluid/pus discharge also present?
3.Can you also observe any swelling on the outside cheek also?
4.Do you have any decayed tooth?
5.Is your wisdom tooth erupting or has it erupted?

Kindly answer the following so that I can guide you towards treatment..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

1. none of my teeth are sensitive, the gum behind my last left molar is swollen and gets sensitive when anything comes in contact with it
2. i would say it's not an unbearable amount of pain but it's uncomfortable, especially the gum area underneath my cheek connecting to the gums toward my back left teeth
3. the swelling on the outside isn't that noticeable but when I touch my left cheek, i feel the sensitivity
4. i have a cracked molar on my back top molar but no pain or swelling on the tooth or behind the gums there
5. i've never had my wisdom teeth taken out, i believe they're still there, not sure what you mean by erupted?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be PERICORONITIS..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

Thanks for the reply..

As per your reply as you have sensitive gums behind your last molar tooth,it is due to inflammation of the gums known as PERICORONITIS..
It occurs due to infection in that area due to food accumulation under the gum flap..
I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..
He can also take an IOPAR (X-ray) to check whether your wisdom tooth is completely erupted (erupted means has appeared completely in the mouth)..
In case if your wisdom tooth is completely erupted then he can advise you removal of gum flap under local anaesthesia..
In case if tooth is impacted (that will not erupt completely due to some obstruction) then extraction of tooth will be advised..
As of now you can keep the area clean..
Do warm saline gargles..
In case if you have any pain you can take anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen..

Any further questions are welcome..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T