<s>[INST] All of a sudden in the middle of the day my left side of my lower gum in my mouth got a lil puffy all around my teeth but my right lower side is fine, then it got a little purple too, what happened? What should I do??? ( keep in mind I wear retainers but I havent worn them for 2 days ) [/INST] Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The swelling in the gums can be because of the irritation or trauma caused by the retainers on the gums. The other possible cause can be gum infection secondary to deposits. These two causes can cause periodontal abscess that is collection of the pus below the gums leading to purple color to the gums. Nothing to be panic, consult an oral physician and get it ruled out. If I am your treating doctor I would have prescribed a course of antibiotics like metronidazole 400 mg bid for 5 days.  Then get the teeth cleaned once, stop using the retainers for a week. Check for any sharp edges over the retainer and get it smoothened. Do saline gargling. I hope my answer will help you, take care. </s>