With many people enduring long quarantine periods that may be keeping them from getting routine and urgent medical care, there has been a reported rise in oral health infections around the globe. But how do you know if you have an oral infection? After all, it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on in our mouths. Whether you think you might have an oral infection or you are experiencing unexplained side effects, here’s what you should be on the lookout for when it comes to oral infections.
Tiredness and Lethargy
Do you feel tired or lethargic despite getting a good night’s sleep? It could be the summer heat – or it could be something much worse, such as an oral infection or dental abscess. Dental abscesses are infections that usually occur on the gums. They present themselves almost like a boil or zit – a ball or bump filled with pus. Gross, right? Not only are they usually a pain in the gums, but they can also sap you of precious energy, so it’s important to get them treated before they get worse.
Lumps or Bumps
As we mentioned before, that lump or bump in your mouth could be a dental abscess. Some lumps will burst on their own, but they should still be evaluated by Dr. Abelar. Don’t just wait for nature to take its course, as this could allow the abscess to get a lot worse and put you through unnecessary pain.
Bleeding Gums
If you have bleeding gums when you brush or floss, this is a sign your gums could be infected with periodontal disease. If you have a lump that bleeds, this is another sign of an infection that should be evaluated by Dr. Abelar as soon as possible.
Pain or No Pain
Believe it or not, sometimes you can have an abscess or oral infection and experience no pain at all, which is why it’s important to have Dr. Abelar check out any changes in your mouth. You could be going around with an oral infection without even realizing it, allowing it to get a lot worse. That being said, if you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, contact Dr. Abelar at your earliest convenience to have it checked out. He can be reached at 858-523-1400.
