Possible tooth infection

[JeffPacel]

Hi, I have a problem with a tooth and i'm kinda worried. For a couple of days the gum surrounding the tooth was swollen and painful to the touch, the swelling and pain went away, but it has been replaced by a rotten taste coming from the tooth that has been there for the past week. The taste has become milder but it's still there, the tooth itself is painless. I've been rinsing my mouth with vodka every night before bed to try to kill any bacteria that might be there.

I'm asking because i'm trying to figure out what it is, everyone I know say that a tooth infection is very painful, but I only experienced pain in the short period of time the gum was swollen and I haven't had any pain in the tooth itself.

[johnsunny]

When the cavity grows to a bad state all those symptoms possibly occur.So it will be good for you to visit a dentist asap....

[Maya_siva]

Just go to a dentist and seek help from him.Prevention is better than cure.

[JeffPacel]

Can antibiotics keep the infection in check? Because I can't afford to get root canal treatment before august or september, and I want to keep the infection from spreading.

[Gellia]

Hi,
I'm with scottma.  Just because it doesn't hurt doesn't mean there isn't a nasty infection brewing there.  

Please get to a dentist.  This can affect not only the one tooth but the teeth next to it on either side and so on.  
Also, vodka won't help.  There is natural bacteria in the mouth and will come back as soon as you swallow or spit out.  You'd be better to rinse with warm salt water as that is more natural to the mouth.  Alcohol is damaging to the tissue.

GOOD LUCK and make that appt ASAP.
Best to you,
Gellia

[scottma]

Seeing a dentist is advised. Acute swelling of gingiva is commonly associated with dental infection, which is not always symptomatic, I.e. painful.