- What is a gum infection?
- A gum infection is an irritation that affects the portion of your mouth below the gum line called the sulcus and can affect your whole mouth if not treated correctly and promptly. Gum infections are not difficult to diagnose, and the treatment options depend on the severity of the infection and if any teeth are affected.
- How do you know if you have a gum infection?
- If you can identify with these classic symptoms, you may be suffering from a gum infection:
- Swollen, bloody gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gum line
- If you can identify with these classic symptoms, you may be suffering from a gum infection:
- What do I do if I have a gum infection?
- If you are already showing signs of gum infection, be sure to consult with a dental hygienist to have it properly diagnosed and treated. A minor gum infection left untreated can lead to serious dental issues. An untreated gum infection can lead to an advanced dental disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that damages the soft tissue in your mouth. Without medical attention, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth and recede the gums from the teeth. This attachment loss worsens with time, and advances in a case of periodontitis could result in the loosening or complete loss of your teeth.
- How are gum infections treated?
- While the diagnosis can be made easily by our dental hygienist, there are various options for treatment to manage gum infection. Determining the proper treatment depends on the specific case and how advanced the condition might be. Here are a few possible ways to treat your gum infection:
- Antibiotics could be taken orally or injected directly to the portion of the gum affected.
- Root planing and scaling treatment are used, working as a deep clean to help treat infected areas.
- Gingivectomy can also be performed on someone who is suffering from a gum infection. This treatment involves a dental hygienist removing portions of the affected gum.
- Surgery performed to correct a severe gum infection is referred to as Flap surgery. It is done to help repair some of the bone damage caused by severe gum infection.
- While the diagnosis can be made easily by our dental hygienist, there are various options for treatment to manage gum infection. Determining the proper treatment depends on the specific case and how advanced the condition might be. Here are a few possible ways to treat your gum infection:
- How do I protect against developing a gum infection?
- Gum infections are usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Smoking also puts you at a much higher risk of developing gum infection. To fight against pain and possible tooth loss that a gum infection can cause, look at the following tips for proper teeth maintenance:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and stimulates your gums
- Floss daily to clean between teeth and remove plaque that can generate cavities and gum diseases
- Do not smoke or use tobacco-related products because it is an important cause of gum disease.
- Limit alcoholic beverages. When you drink alcohol, your saliva production slows down, which can cause dehydration and plaque build-up.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Regardless of the toothbrush you use, its bristles can become frayed and worn, losing their effectiveness.
- Attend a check-up with a dental hygienist every six months to help keep our teeth and gums healthy.
- Gum infections are usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Smoking also puts you at a much higher risk of developing gum infection. To fight against pain and possible tooth loss that a gum infection can cause, look at the following tips for proper teeth maintenance:
