How to Treat a Gum Infection?

Bacteria, fungi, or viruses generally cause infections. Gum infections are caused mainly by bacteria, even though other factors are occasionally to blame. These bacteria are usually normal flora, which means they are naturally found within the mouth. The bacteria feed on left-over food in the mouth after we eat.

Poor oral hygiene provides ample ground for bacterial growth and subsequent infection. Mouth bacteria can not only cause gum infection and gum disease, but they can also cause tooth decay. Gum infection has also been implicated as a source of other diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Cancer

Therefore, it is crucial to make sure a dentist treats all infections in the mouth to avoid further complications.

Causes of Gum Infection

Gum infection results from bacterial accumulation in the tissue surrounding the teeth. When you have poor oral hygiene, bacteria form a plaque around the teeth. A plaque is a film of bacteria. The plaque can harden and form tartar if it is not removed.

Tartar is even harder to remove and requires a dentist to wash off. Tartar buildup allows bacteria to invade the area around the teeth and gums, which can easily cause infection. Other than poor oral hygiene, other risk factors for gum infection are:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Genetics – meaning some people are more prone to gum infections
• Hormonal changes especially in expectant women
• Stress, which leads to production of stress hormones consequently causing immunosuppression
• Crooked teeth
• Immunodeficiency
• Some medicines that dry the mouth or slow saliva flow
• Oral devices such as dentures or bridges that do not fit properly

Symptoms of Gum Infection

Symptoms differ depending on how advanced the infection is and the location of the infection. Gum infection is typically a sign of poor oral health and gum disease.

Gingivitis is the most primal stage of gum disease. Note that gingivitis is not an infection on its own. However, it may lead to more advanced gum disease, which is medically called periodontal disease or periodontitis.

Gingivitis causes puffy, red gums that may bleed easily especially when you brush your teeth. This is the first noticeable sign, but as inflammation progresses into the infected gums, other gum infection symptoms are:

• Pain when chewing
• Spitting out blood after or while brushing teeth
• Sensitive teeth, especially to cold and hot items
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth and receding gums
• Pus discharge in the mouth and subsequent bad taste
• Previously fitting dental braces or dentures slowly becoming loose

Gum infections may also lead to abscess formation. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within the gum. In addition, an abscess will form a painful swelling and may leak pus. Abscesses require prompt treatment entailing drainage by a dentist.

When left untreated, gum infections may lead to further complications such as putting nearby tooth roots at risk. In these cases, extreme infections may result in tooth loss. Gum infections may also spread to the jaw or surrounding bone, potentially damaging them. Alternatively, bacteria causing gum infection may also enter the bloodstream causing severe medical emergencies.

Prevention of Gum Infection

Prevention is a better option than looking for a cure when it comes to gum infections. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests good oral hygiene and regular professional tooth cleaning to control periodontal disease and its earlier forms, such as gingivitis.

Good oral hygiene entails:

• Brushing teeth at least twice daily or after every meal using a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing after meals to remove food particles between the teeth
• Quitting smoking
• Using a medicated mouthwash
• Rinsing the mouth with fresh water after meals
• Swishing and gargling using warm salty water
• Limiting the intake of sugary foods, and beverages

The listed home remedies help prevent plaque accumulation around teeth and tartar formation between trips to the dentist for cleanings.

You should schedule a visit with your dentist every six months for a full dental examination and professional tooth cleaning. If you’re located in Southeast Michigan, you can book an appointment with your local Fortson Dentistry office when you suspect that you have any gum infection or disease and for regular checkups.

Gum Infection Treatment

Treatment options for gum infections include:

Antibiotic therapy

Antibiotics may be injected into the gum or taken orally as tablets to clear the infection. It is vital to make sure you take all the pills given, even if you feel fine after taking a few. Taking the full dose of antibiotics minimizes the chances of developing resistance.

Scaling and Root Planing

This treatment entails deep cleaning between the gum and the tooth to the root. Scaling and root planing is a more invasive form that is preserved for moderate infection.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy entails the removal of infected gum tissue. Your dentist will evaluate the state of the infected gum tissue. If the physician determines that the infected tissue is beyond repair, then the most likely course of treatment is the surgical removal of the infected gum tissue.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a technique reserved for severe gum disease and aims to stop the progression of the disease by treating the roots directly.

Always remember to maintain proper oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid smoking. A healthy mouth is an important part of your overall long-term health.