For now, avoid toothpicks and any further mechanical irritation of the area. Maintain gentle oral hygiene and rinse with warm salt water 2–3 times daily. Avoid tobacco, paan/gutkha and spicy or very hot foods while the area heals. The underlying cavity and wisdom tooth should also be evaluated by a dentist, because continued food impaction or sharp tooth margins can keep traumatizing the mucosa. If the wisdom tooth is partially erupted/impacted and repeatedly causing problems, extraction may ultimately be recommended.

The important point is that a traumatic ulcer/irritation should show clear improvement after the source of trauma is removed, generally within 1–2 weeks. If the red/white patch persists beyond 2 weeks, becomes larger, develops an ulcer or lump, bleeds, becomes painful, or doesn’t heal despite stopping the irritation, it should be examined promptly by a dentist/oral medicine or oral surgery specialist—particularly given the previous tobacco/areca-nut exposure.