Should I see a dentist or give it a few days?
A few days ago I ate a mango and, as usual, got all of those annoying fibers between my front bottom teeth. I tried to get them out, but I knew some were still stuck in there. The next day, my gums in that area were tender when I applied pressure. I figured it was just trauma from the fibers, so I left it alone.
This morning I noticed that the gums in one small area was swollen and it was pushing up between two of my teeth. Again, I took some floss to it and I finally got a large mango fiber out of it.
Here’s the gross part. I noticed an odor similar to moth balls coming from that area. I got the fiber out, brushed my teeth, and swished some mouthwash. I also swished some warm saltwater. This is the same exact smell my husband had around his teeth when he had temporary crowns. The dentist told him it was normal and caused by bacteria that gets under the crown. The smell went away once he got his permanent crown. However, I read online that this odor could indicate an infection that requires antibiotics.
There’s no abcess that I can see. No puss or anything like that. The only time it hurts is when I press on it, like it’s just irritated. We’re broke, so I’m wondering if I should wait and see if the pain and odor goes away now that the fiber is gone or if I need to see a dentist immediately (tomorrow).
Thoughts? What would you do?
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15 Answers
Check around for a clinic that will take you on a sliding fee. I think you should have it looked at. If you need an antibiotic, you’ll want to start that soon as possible.
I would wait a day unless it gets really painful to see if it is just irritation. If it doesn’t feel better by Tuesday, I would go.
I would wait until Tuesday as well, but I also know that my dentist would get me right in if I had a problem.
I have forwarded your question to our resident dentist. She’s in Australia, so I don’t know how soon she will see this.
If you got the fiber out and cleaned the area, wait-and-see probably will be ok. I have a problem area between molars where stuff gets caught and sometimes I get a bad taste; the hygienist told me to just be really conscientious about cleaning there and it will be fine.
A nice ripe mango is totally worth it.
I would wait a few days and use some germ fighting mouthwash the next couple of day morning and evening. Use a soft tooth brush. If it continues or gets worse (even in a day) I would see a dentist. Now that you got the bulk of the food out the bacteria in your mouth should gobble up what traces are left behind and the swelling should go down. But if you have an infection the area will likely get worse.
I’ll send the Q to our dentist though, so you can get a professional opinion.
Wait it won’t kill you & you havw 80% chance it’s okay.
There is a prescription mouthwash for this. I wonder if the dentist would call it in for you if you explained your situation. I think it’s about $15 without insurance.
@Judi , I didn’t know that. I change my answer to agree with that choice.
Go get one of those interproximal cleaners at the drugstore, and have another go with the floss. It’s a small infection that will clear up. I wouldn’t pay to go to the dentist over it but if you have insurance why not. Use ordinary peroxide for a mouthwash. The fibres will break down (that’s what the smell is), and you will be able to get them out as they soften. Also I wouldn’t worry about the peridex (rx mouthrinse) it stains the teeth.
PS according to the OP this is a transient localised infection and therefore I would kindly disagree with the rx mouthrinse which is indicated only for: Individuals with gingival hyperplasia caused by epileptic medication, or a necrotic or ulcerous condition; ...just saying
Thanks everyone. I’ll give it until Tuesday.
@trailsillustrated Thanks for answering. One thing though; the reason to not go to the dentist just because someone has insurance is because it raises everyones premiums when people just run to the dentist or doctor when it isn’t necessary.
Ok. Defer to the dentist. I retract my answer.
UPDATE: Well, it’s Tuesday. There’s hardly any pain now unless I press on it hard with my tongue, and even that’s not really painful. However, that smell is still there. If I touch my gums right there, I can smell that moth ball odor on my finger, but it’s only right there.
I feel like it would’ve gotten worse by now if it was infected. I’ve been doing warm saltwater swishes and brushing/flossing twice a day. I can’t see/feel anymore fibers in there, but there has to be some reason for that smell. It’s making me self-conscious about my breath, but I don’t want to go to the dentist if there’s no infection.
Great although still tender & stinky is not good. I’s still go to doc as soon as you can you know?
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