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Dentistry/rear gum pain

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Question
my right rear gum, behind where my wisdom teeth used to be, is extremely swollen, and causing me a great deal of pain. 48 hours ago i had eaten some popcorn before bed, and the next morning my rear gum (behind my last lower tooth) was extremely swollen, and in a good deal of pain. I can barely close my mouth or eat because of this. Now my throat is starting to hurt on the side where it seems to be infected, when i swallow. I also have had a sinus infection for the last week. any idea on what this maybe? could the popcorn be the culprit? or could this be something more severe?

Answer
The most obvious culprit is the popcorn.  Perhaps a sliver of a hull has worked itself down along the last tooth and into the gum creating an infection.  You should seek dental care immediately as this infection is likely to worsen and any swelling in the throat could impair your breathing.  If you can't get emergency dental care today at least get to an emergency room for antibiotic treatment and follow up with dental care as soon as possible.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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