A 20-year-old female asked:
I brush, floss, and use mouthwash everyday, twice a day. however, every now and then, the gum around my molar becomes inflammed, swollen and painful. why is it so?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 55 years experience
Food impaction?: Have your dentist take a look at that area to see what's going on. You may have some periodontal pocketing in that area, perhaps an open contact between two teeth where food gets impacted for any number of reasons.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 41 years experience
Other reasons: Obviously, something is amiss. It is very possible you have a cavity between your teeth in that area. Bacteria & food will get caught, now and then, and your gum will become inflamed. Have your dentist take a radiograph of that area to visualize any problems between the teeth.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Lawrence Kessleranswered
Periodontics 57 years experience
See your dentist: Sometimes sharp foods can irritate you gum or even brushing or flossing can cause an irritation
if you have a filling or crown it can irritate your gum if the margin of it is at or below your gum.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 13, 2021
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