Questionable food still stuck under gums
About 4 weeks ago, I bit into an apple and the apple flesh, not the skin, lodged up into my gums both front and back of my two front teeth. I flossed and rinsed but the gum behind the front teeth swelled up. I went to the dentist and both the dentist and the hygienist said there was no infection/apple still stuck in my gums. They did say I had a cut where the apple penetrated my gums. A few days ago, the area in question started to bother me. I called my dentist and they said I probably re-injured it, and was not concerned about it. Is it possible to have something stuck it there that my dentist and hygienist missed?
Do you want to answer this question? Login or register now to answer this question.
Answer: Food Impaction
By Sarah h
Dental Professional
The area of tissue behind your front teeth can be very sensitive, especially when abraded or torn. Once there is an abrasion or cut to the tissue, it can easily become irritated or infected due to the harsh environment of the mouth. There is always a possibility that something may have gotten re-lodged in the area, especially once the tissue is swollen. It is unlikely that both the dentist and dental hygienist missed any debris in the area. Keep the area clean and use warm salt water rinses 2-3 times a day. Try to avoid any crunchy, hot, or spicy foods until the area heals completely. If the tissue is still swollen and irritated after 7-10 days, return to your dentist for a second evaluation.
More Questions from General Dental
Hole in a filling
I had a filling done on the side of a back tooth as there was a slight hole where a filling had been done many many years ago but had come away. The dentist noticed a hairline crack so filled this hole with a white filling and didn’t need to drill...
What procedure would help fix the gap and crooked of my two front teeth?
I have been living under fear and was a victim of bullying because of my teeth. They are very unaligned....the ones that concern me the most are the two front teeth they are crooked and there is a very wide noticeable gap there. I hate it and it's...
White Bumps - Harmless or Urgent?
I just noticed 3-4 days ago that I have tiny gums colored and white bumps near the roots of my teeth but in-between the teeth (primarily on the gingiva or border between gingiva and gums). They are semi hard and painless. Some appear in clusters. I...
Military and teeth
Im planning to enlist in the military however one needs to not have any dental treatment to join. Im planning on quitting wearing my retainers so I can enlist and I alreadly notice its starting to shift back. Now I cant put both of my Jaws lined up....
I have a deep overbite.
I have had a deep bite and no dentist wants to treat it. My top front teeth completely overlaps my bottom teeth, I have issues with speaking and eating. I have developed TMJD and a trainee dentist told me there is no way that my deep bite caused...
Back gum is swollen but doesn’t hurt no infection
My gum is a little swollen but it doesn’t hurt unless I move it or press on it it’s on my last back molar. Should I be worried? I can’t afford a dentist and have no insurance but I can eat fine and drink fine. Should I be super concerned I gargled...
Is the bump on my tongue cause for concern?
Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm a 25-year-old female. I have a bump on the lateral right side of my tongue (see picture). In diameter, I'd say it's about the size of a pencil eraser. The other side of my tongue does not look like this at all. There's...
Should I get new braces? Can’t I just get new retainer?
I used braces for one and half years, then I got the plastic clear retainer and was told to wear it every night for 6 months. But, I always forgot to wear it then when I went back to my orthodontist, he told me to wear my retainer for another 3...
What are dental sealants supposed to feel like?
I had dental sealants on my molars when I was 7, I just got them redone at 22. Unfortunately, my molars where the sealants are placed feel very chalky, not slick like the rest of my teeth.But there aren’t bite problems or sharp pieces. I’m wondering...
What are the benefits of regular brushing and flossing?
What are the benefits of regular brushing and flossing? What are the social health benefits, physical health benefits, and mental health benefits of regular brushing and flossing? I am a health student and this is research about teeth care.