When is a gum infection serious?

In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults.

How do I know if my gum infection is serious?

Other more serious symptoms include the gums pulling away from the teeth. This can result in teeth becoming loose. Pus may form in between the teeth and gums. At this point, chewing will likely become quite painful.

When should you seek medical attention for a gum infection?

What is the bad stage of gum disease?

Advanced periodontitis is the fifth and final stage of gum disease, and it is likely that you will lose teeth or at least loosen teeth during this phase without immediate dental intervention. The infection impacts the jawbone, so teeth may be lost regardless.

How long until gum disease is serious?

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. At this stage, your gums will start to pull away or "recede" from your teeth.

SEVERE Gum Recession Case - Loose Teeth Ready To FALL OUT!

What does stage 2 gum disease look like?

Stage 2: Periodontitis

At this stage, the supporting bones and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth.

How fast does periodontitis spread?

One study found that if you're starting from level 1 gingivitis, it takes an average of 66.8 weeks, which is a little over 15 months, to develop into periodontitis. If your gingivitis is more advanced than this, it takes less time.

What does stage 4 gum disease look like?

Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis

This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess. The end result — eating and even smiling is hard and painful, and you may lose most of your teeth.

What does stage 3 gum disease look like?

The final stage is advanced periodontal disease. It occurs when the infection deepens even further. Advanced periodontal disease causes red, swollen gums that ooze pus, cold sensitivity, further loosening of teeth, severe bone loss, painful chewing, and severe halitosis (bad breath).

Is gum disease an emergency?

However, it can be early signs of gingivitis or gum disease. When bleeding becomes recurring or excessive and your gums ache, it might be a dental emergency.

What does dental sepsis feel like?

A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Can the ER treat a gum infection?

Dental Treatment in the Emergency Room

In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary.

Can the ER do anything about a gum abscess?

Plus, it is the best option to get urgent care if the swelling from your toothache has spread to different parts of your face, especially below your jawline and eye. But, in most cases, ER doctors will only prescribe medication, and then you will need to book an appointment with our dentist to get the abscess drained.

What is dental sepsis?

Dental sepsis occurs when the pulp chamber of the tooth is exposed to the oral cavity or external environment, allowing bacterial localization with resulting infection.

How do I know if my tooth infection has spread to my jaw?

The major signs of a spreading tooth infection include fever, swelling, and severe pain in the affected areas. Even if your tooth infection is in the early stages, make sure to seek treatment as soon as you can.

What is the best antibiotic for gum infection?

Metronidazole works best when used in a combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline. Ciprofloxacin: This antibiotic is used to specifically target A. actinomycetemcomitans, a slow-growing but harmful bacterium that contributes to gum disease.

What is Stage 5 periodontitis?

Stage 5: Advanced Periodontitis

Biting or chewing food becomes difficult or painful and your front teeth drift, leaving gaps. Consider visiting your dentist to treat advanced gum disease and prevent other severe health issues, such as: Heart attack. Diabetes.

Can Listerine reverse periodontitis?

The short answer is … no. While over-the-counter products like toothpaste and mouthwash can help resolve gingivitis, they won't be able to reverse periodontitis. That's because the infection that is affecting your gums is so far below the gum line that your normal hygiene products simply can't reach it.

Can you treat stage 4 gum disease?

Stage IV periodontitis requires an interdisciplinary approach for treatment. On one hand, the periodontal tissues need to be properly managed to control inflammation. On the other hand, there is a need for rehabilitation of the impaired dentition.

At what stage is gum disease irreversible?

Slight Periodontal Disease: Slight periodontal disease is the second stage of gum disease. It isn't reversible, but can be managed. Once you reach stage two, the infection has spread to the bone and has begun to destroy bones. The bacteria have become more aggressive, which is what leads to bone less.

Can gum disease make you sick?

Gum disease may increase your risk of getting respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the Journal of Periodontology. The infections might be caused when bacteria from the mouth are inhaled into your lungs, possibly causing your airways to become inflamed.

What is level 7 gum disease?

3 mm - 5 mm with bleeding: It's very likely that gums with these measurements have early gum disease. 5 mm - 7 mm with bleeding: Besides almost certain gum disease, bone loss and tissue damage are also possible. 7 mm+ with bleeding: Pockets deeper than 7 mm means advanced gum disease is certain.

Will my teeth eventually fall out with periodontitis?

Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented.

What age do most people get periodontitis?

47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

Is it safe to kiss with periodontitis?

Can gum disease spread through kissing? Periodontal disease isn't contagious through casual contact. Sharing saliva and bacteria, such as kissing, with someone who has gum disease can increase the likelihood of transmitting it to their partner.