This morning I managed to dislodge a troublesome flake
that lodged in the line between my first molar and the
gums. I've been trying for three days to get rid of it.
Managed to draw some blood and pain, but I couldn't get
rid of it until this morning.

This has happened several times before from popcorn
hulls. Drives me crazy. But I didn't remember eating
any popcorn recently. I eat a lot of corn, but that's
canned corn and entirely soft (except when a bit of cob
is encountered).

I examined this flake, and it was not a popcorn hull.
It was completely black. I don't know what it was,
though I'd guess it originated in a ground spice in
something I ate.