I admit, I wrecked the area in question. First I ate a ton of popcorn knowing that kernels tend to get stuck in there. Then, to attempt to get the kernels out... I ate this hard toffy like candy, A LOT OF IT. More than anyone should have. Stork Chocolate Risen.

It worked... the kernels worked themselves out.

But then, I have cuts and bruises on my gums back there. And it has gone on for about 3 weeks now.

I went to the dentist this week and they took a look. They took an X-ray of the tooth. All fine. But they said my gums were very inflamed. They were going to do a deep cleaning of the gums with novacaine but I said I didn't want to do that I said, lets wait and see.

I am rinsing it with salt water but it doesn't seem to be working. It says on the internet it should heal within 2 weeks and given how I beat the area up I am willing to give it more time.

Anythoughts? I don't think it is periodontal disease as I think the dentist would have said something and I do have one of those dentist like mirrors at home and gum looks pink just red near the tooth.. like a cut.

Well, I got myself a water pick. And it was amazing. The moment I put it on, I felt an amazing sense of relief. I going to guess that there was plaque in an area on the back of my tooth that was causing pain -- that I just wasn't getting with the tooth brush. The moment I did it... I had a bloody mouth. But after a day, no more blood and very little pain. Not sure what happened but wanted to post my experience.

I can't use the water pick every day as it is too much for my mouth but man... it felt amazing the first time I used it.