How can swelling and infection in the lower gum be treated?
Patient: I have an infection under a lower tooth on my jaw.  I'm taking metronidazole prescribed by my dentist, but there is an apparent increase in swelling under the tooth.  Am I in danger of that spreading through my body and making a problem into a nightmare? Doctor: Hi..Thanks for the query.Your explanation is pointing towards tooth abscess formation that is due to deep infection in the tooth leading to pus formation below the root tip of the tooth..It can spread to the soft tissues of the face leading to Cellulitis and Space infection..So my suggestion is to consult a Dentist and get evaluated and a clinical examination should be done  along with an IOPAR [x-ray] of the tooth to confirm the diagnosis..You can be advised a course of antibiotics and painkillers to reduce infection and along with it the tooth has to be treated..If tooth can be saved then root canal treatment can be done and if there is gross decay extraction is advisable..Hope this helps..Regards..