CA
A 52-year-old member asked:
An area of my gum is swollen. how can i tell if my tooth is infected?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Leila Winganswered
Internal Medicine 15 years experience
See Dentist: Do you have other symptoms like tooth pain, have had a tooth injury, fever, or nausea/vomiting? Those may be signs of tooth infection, but if you think your tooth is infected, it is in general, best to see your dentist.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Astrachananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 38 years experience
Might be infected: Gum swelling and pain can certainly be caused by a primary gum infection or an infected tooth. Strongly suggest an evaluation by your dentist.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Abraham Jaskielanswered
Dentistry 23 years experience
Bleeding gums: You may have gingivitis or/and periodontal disease. Plaque is a sticky bio film that can be removed with a toothbrush, calculus is a harder and attaches itself to the tooth and root surface and needs to be removed professionally by a hygienist or dentist. See you dentist for an evaluation.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Harry Aronowitzanswered
Orthodontics 45 years experience
Check the tooth: Does it hurt when you touch it? How about when you bite on it?
If it does not clear up in a few days you need to see a dentist.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 55 years experience
It's Simple: See a dentist who is trained to evaluate these types of things.You are not trained and can't be expected to accurately determine whether or not your tooth is infected. That's true regardless of whatever we can describe to you on the internet. If you must know, swelling, pain, redness, heat and fever are typical signs of an infection.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 1, 2016
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