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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In Gums After Impaction Of Food Particle?

Yesterday I was eating tortilla chips and the edge of one lodged into my gum or just poked it really really hard. Could a piece be stuck in there? The are swelled up almost immediately. Whn I woke up this morning there was even more swelling. What I find strange is tht there is an area not affected by the chip directly tht is extremely swollen. Could my gums just be extremly bothered? Or is this serious? I took an inflammatory last night ang gargled the area with salt water.
Fri, 27 Jun 2014
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello,
I read your inquiry. You have done two important steps that I would recommend to my patients. Floss the area well and consider using an interdental cleaner or water pic (irrigation). Maintain good daily dental hygiene. You may still need to dislodge some food debris. Continue to rinse vigorously. Continue with anti-inflammatory medication as needed. The trauma of an injury from something hard could cause the inflammatory reaction. If the area does not feel better in two days, schedule a visit with your dentist to evaluate the area. You may disturb the tissue trying to clean it out and feel some soreness. The concern is an infection and need of prescription medication. I am concerned if the swelling continues to increase. If swelling or pain increase, do not delay scheduling a visit.
Make sure to be on schedule for your routine dental exam and cleaning. It is possible that you have an underlying cause such as a tooth infection or periodontal disease. You may have been unaware and this episode has drawn your attention to the area that is now irritated.
Thank you for your inquiry. I hope with my suggestions your discomfort will resolve anf you feel better soon.
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Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S's  Response
Thanks for your query, i have gone through your life. The swelling could be because of the gum infection secondary to the trauma caused by poking with a foreign body. consult a oral physician and get your teeth cleaned once. Meanwhile take a course of antibiotics like tablet doxycycline 100mg twice daily for first day and once daily for next 4 days. do saline gargling and maintain oral hygiene. do not poke gums with tooth pick or anything. brush your teeth when food get lodged. rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating anything. i hope my answer will help you. take care.
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What Causes Swelling In Gums After Impaction Of Food Particle?

Hello, I read your inquiry. You have done two important steps that I would recommend to my patients. Floss the area well and consider using an interdental cleaner or water pic (irrigation). Maintain good daily dental hygiene. You may still need to dislodge some food debris. Continue to rinse vigorously. Continue with anti-inflammatory medication as needed. The trauma of an injury from something hard could cause the inflammatory reaction. If the area does not feel better in two days, schedule a visit with your dentist to evaluate the area. You may disturb the tissue trying to clean it out and feel some soreness. The concern is an infection and need of prescription medication. I am concerned if the swelling continues to increase. If swelling or pain increase, do not delay scheduling a visit. Make sure to be on schedule for your routine dental exam and cleaning. It is possible that you have an underlying cause such as a tooth infection or periodontal disease. You may have been unaware and this episode has drawn your attention to the area that is now irritated. Thank you for your inquiry. I hope with my suggestions your discomfort will resolve anf you feel better soon.