Can you have a gum infection and not know it?

Gum disease is often painless and without noticeable symptoms, making it hard to know if you really have it. Many symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease, called periodontitis.
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How do I know if my gums are infected?

Signs that you may have infected gums include:
  1. Gums that are swollen, tender or bleeding.
  2. Receding gums.
  3. Pus coming from the gums.
  4. Chronic bad breath.
  5. Loose teeth.
  6. A noticeable change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
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Can you have a gum infection with no pain?

In some cases, an abscess causes no pain, or the pain varies in frequency and severity. Sometimes with a periapical infection, the infection inside the tooth works its way into the gum through the root of the tooth, creating a bubble on the gum.
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What does an infection in your gums feel like?

Symptoms of Gum Infections

One of the primary symptoms is that gums will be red and swollen. They will also be tender to the touch. While gingivitis may result in some minor swelling or darkening of the color of the gums, an infection will result in even more swelling and deeper redness.
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How long does it take for a gum infection to develop?

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.
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3 Easy Ways to Prevent Gum Disease at Home!



Can gum disease come on suddenly?

In rare cases, a condition called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) can develop suddenly.
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How long does a gum infection last?

In most cases, gingivitis usually clears up within 10 to 14 days. If your gingivitis is more serious, it could take longer to treat. Take charge of your dental health to prevent it from recurring.
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Will gum infection go away?

Keep in mind that a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own. It's important that you see a dentist to begin treatment. Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket.
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What happens if gum infection goes untreated?

Periodontitis (also called periodontal disease) is gum disease. This infection damages the soft tissue around your teeth and wears away the bone supporting them. If left untreated, the disease eventually ruins the bone, loosening the teeth and causing them to fall out.
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Can you have gum disease without bleeding?

Healthy gums don't bleed, but periodontal disease can make them more sensitive. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss or at your regular dental cleanings, it may be a sign of periodontal disease.
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How long can you have a tooth infection without knowing?

To summarize: It can potentially take several months for a dental abscess to develop. Once an abscess has formed, noticeable pain and swelling around the affected tooth usually occur. If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications.
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Can you have an abscess with no symptoms?

Symptoms of a dental abscess

It is important to know that that some abscesses are painless. Painless abscesses, luckily, often still show identifiable symptoms such as gums and cheeks that are swollen.
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Why is my gum swollen around one tooth No pain?

1. Food Debris. If you have swelling around just one tooth in your mouth, it may be because you didn't get food debris out from under your gums, which can cause decay and inflammation. If you get the debris out early by brushing and flossing, the swelling may go away.
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How does a dentist know if you have an infection?

In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding tissue for signs of infection, your dentist may: Recommend an X-ray. This can help identify sources of dental disease that may have led to the infection. Your dentist can also use X-rays to determine if the infection has spread and may be affecting other areas.
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Is gum infection serious?

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
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How do you fix infected gums?

Treatment options for gum infections include:
  1. Antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics may be injected into the gum or taken orally as tablets to clear the infection. ...
  2. Scaling and Root Planing. This treatment entails deep cleaning between the gum and the tooth to the root. ...
  3. Gingivectomy. ...
  4. Flap Surgery.
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Can periodontitis go unnoticed?

Periodontal disease is usually painless, which is why it can go unnoticed for prolonged periods of time, until the disease is at an advanced stage. However, there are some signs and symptoms which indicate the presence of a periodontal infection.
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What are the five signs of infection?

The signs of infection vary according to the organ and site of involvement. Most common symptoms and isgns are fever, chills, rigor, vomitings, diarrhoea, burning urine ,sore throat ,cough, new onset of pain. Inflammation has five cardinal signs which are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.
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Can you have a gum infection for years?

The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums

An infection in your body is considered a threat. If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
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How do you know if you have a mouth abscess?

Symptoms of a dental abscess

an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse. pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum. pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep.
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What is the fastest way to heal a gum infection?

Salt water is extremely effective in helping to heal gums affected by gum disease. Salt water can treat inflammation, ease pain, and reduce bacteria in the mouth and gums. Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection.
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Why is my gum swollen around one tooth?

When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems.
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Can salt water rinse heal gum infection?

Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
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What is the best antibiotic for gum infection?

Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate.
...
Penicillins are a group of antibiotics including:
  • Penicillin.
  • Amoxicillin.
  • Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate.
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What does gum abscess look like?

What does a gum abscess look like? It may start as a shiny, reddened area of your gum tissue. As the abscess progresses, a tiny white or yellow dot may appear on your gums, gradually getting larger as the abscess fills with pus. Eventually, the abscess will resemble a pimple on the gum.
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