Gingivitis? Periodontal disease? Absess? which one is it?

I've had swollen gums where my 2nd molars are for the past week. At first I ignored the swelling, thinking it was because of the unhealthy diet I was having that week, but a week later the swelling hasnt disappeared. The swollen gums are starting to hurt when i eat and I try to avoid using that part of my mouth altogether now. I've tried looking for more information as to what could be the possible cause and Ive come across: Gingivitis, Periodontal disease, absess or wisdom teeth. Im unsure as to which one it is since the symptoms for all of them seem to be so similar. My symptoms are: swollen gums, pain, i think puss coming out now (gross..i know). I do brush twice a day and occasionally use mouthwash.

I'm afraid to go to the dentist because of bad childhood experiences. So any suggestions or reassurance that the dentist isnt so bad, would be great. Thanks!

Hi there! the only way somebody (a dental professional) can give you a diagnosis is simply with the help of X-rays (periapical & bitewings), gingivitis is a periodontal disease and could cause an absess but so can do a deep cavity that envolve a dental nerve, with the x-ray is easy to determine what is the exact origin of the infeccion. I don't know your age, but if you are around 17 or 21 year old with the same X-ray the dentist can tell you if the 3rd molar is the cause. So don't be afraid go to the dentist, he or she will help you.
you wrote you brush twice a day and sometimes use mouthwash, what about flossing? Good Luck!

i used to have swollen gum and bad breath. then i read somewhere its gingivity and i started doing floss and no more swollen gum nor bad breath anymore.

suck it up, your a big girl now and time to face the music,
go to the dentists, it will be ok!

sounds like abcess or an infection. does it hurt if you put you teeth together and even bite down a little..if so it's most likely an infection. If it's abcessed there is usually a bump in your gums that you would not know what is. You would need to see a dentist for either of these conditions. Both hurt really bad and can only be handled by dental professionals. If it's an infection your only options are a root canal or tooth pulled. I think they do a root canal for absess. Root canals are not cheap and not covered by most insurance. If it was gingivitis or peridontal disease your gums would bleed when you brush them and they'd all hurt. Peridontal disease is a very progressed form of gingivitis. It is very painful and does not stop hurting without help. If it's peridontal you will be able to see gray lining on the bottom of your teeth near your gums. Hopefully it's not that because after that your teeth start falling out.

If there is a bubble on the outside gums of the tooth it is probably an absess, if it is not a distinct bubble but generalized swelling it is probably periodontal disease and you need your teeth cleaned b/c it has been so long. Either way it is only going to get worse the longer you wait and the more likely you will have to lose your teeth. Fear of dentists is very common. Ask your friends to describe their dentist and see if he/she sounds nice. The best reference is from someone who has been treated at that dentist.
However, dental and dental hygiene schools have changed a lot in dental treatment. It has come a long way and there are new ways to make things more comfortable.

Go to the Doctor to get on some antibiotics to get rid of the infection and swelling. They might give you some medicine to swab on your gums. This is no time to fool around with this, you could lose all your teeth.

You mentioned that the swelling is around your "second molars", is it on both sides? If so, it could be gingivitis or periodontal disease. How long has it been since you've had a cleaning? If the swelling is confined to one area of your mouth, it could be drainage from an abscessed tooth. Any of these conditions need to be addressed by a dentist. Please go, it really is in your best interest. Explain when you make the appointment that you are "dental phobic"... your dental hygienist and dentist are experienced in dealing with that, I promise you. There are LOTS of people that have dental anxiety. Ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous not only to your mouth but your overall health as well. Tooth infections can spread throughout your body, and untreated gum infection has been linked to coronary artery disease as well as complicating diabetes.

You DO need to go to a good dentist before you let it progress too far. Always brush and floss (at least twice a day) and sprinkle baking soda on your toothbrush for extra health and cleaning. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide also. If you have a sore, cut or a minor infection take a vit. "E" capsule, slit the end and rub the gel on the infected and sore area. You will see overnight relief... Good luck!!