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FAQ: Gums

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Question:
I occasionally get swollen gums on the back of my mouth only behind my right lower molar. If it's badly inflamed it'll get a big bump, fill with some kind of puss and I won't be able to close my mouth completely. It'll last for a couple of days with not much pain but more discomfort. Is it a bacterial infection?

This all started less than a year ago and it'll come on if I chew on a piece of gum or have something chewy like French bread. I went to the dentist who didn't have much to tell me but gave me a brown mouthwash but then told me that it would stain my teeth if I used it so I have been hesitant. What is this from and is there something I could do such as taking an oral antibiotic?

Answer:
If your regular dentist didn't see anything after doing an exam and taking x-rays then I really don't know what this is. X-rays showing wisdom teeth in the area would explain this. Also, there is a condition called "pericornitis" where the tissue begind the last tooth keep getting infected.

If this is the case, you might need this tissue trimmed and if you do have a wisdom tooth in the area, it will probably need to be removed to solve the problem. Antibiotics can help with the initial infection but the problem won't be solved until the tooth or tissue is removed.

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