Hello, for some time now I have been unable to chew on the right side of my mouth. I have not been brushing my teeth and I understand that is my fault, but I am 18 now, I remember back in elementary school, the top of my gums swelled up and I couldn t chew when they did. But today I noticed that on the side I am unable to chew on, also where I had swollen gums too, there is like an indent in the back with my molars. Is that gum recession? Thank you for any info you could provide. -Jacob
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The pain in the tooth and difficulty in chewing can be because of the tooth infection (acute apical periodontitis). Nothing to be panic, Consult an oral physician and get the tooth treated with root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth. Get a radiograph done to see the extent of the infection and suitability of the tooth for the treatment. If I am your treating doctor, I would have prescribed, a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin and metronidazole (if you are not allergic). Along with antibiotics, you can an analgesics like diclofenac. But these medicines will provide a temporary relief. Once you complete the course, try to get the tooth treated as early as possible. I hope my answer will help you, take care.