My gums and upper palate on right side swollen after eating sharp chips

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I ate a lot of really crunchy, sharp chips last night. This morning the gums and palate on my right side are swollen and painful. Had wisdom tooth pulled eight months ago and developed sinus infection, second dentist said teeth great as well as gums healthy. Am I worried about nothing? No money to go to dentist unless it is a critical emergency.

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It sounds like you might have traumatized the area with the chips or you might have a viral infection. Either way you can wait 7 to 10 days and if it doesn't heal then I would suggest you see your dentist or an oral surgeon. As far as a palliative treatment I would suggest a steriod ointment but that is a prescription item. Keep away from salty and spicy foods.

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Thank you so much for your quick reply! I am sooo relieved! I'm hoping this will go away, but if it doesn't I appreciate you telling me which kinds of doctors are most appropriate to seek help from. I get confused about which kind of Doctor specializes in which field anymore.