How to Treat Gum Infections?

What is Gum infection?

The gums are soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and provides a seal around them. They resist the food particles passing over them to the underlying bone. If you do not brush regularly, bacteria grow in the gum sulcus around your teeth. As bacteria grow and multiply, they infect your gums, causing gum infection commonly referred to as Gingivitis or Gum Disease.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gum infection?

Healthy gums are pink and are tightly wrapped around your teeth. It is important to remember, in the early stage of the infection of the gums it is usually painless and hardly noticeable. So, gum infection is typically identified by bleeding gums as its most common symptom.

Other Signs and Symptoms include:

• Swollen gums
• Sensitive gums
• Inflamed gums
• Red or purple gums
• Slightly loose gums
• Bad breath
• Itchy gums

For most people, signs of gum infection like red or bleeding gums have become so common that it does not bother them to improve their oral health and hygiene. Once you observe these signs and symptoms you should start immediately normal, daily brushing, and flossing of your teeth. Fortunately, this stage of gum infection is reversible and treatable, your dentist can also help wash away bacteria surrounding your gums and teeth.

What if Gum infection is left untreated?

Gum infection should not be ignored. If allowed to progress it may get worse leading to periodontal disease i.e. your gums may pull away from your teeth, allowing the bacteria to move easily into the bone and tissues below your teeth. The longer bacteria stay in your mouth, the worse your dental health gets. Progressive gum infection is nasty not only for your oral health but several parts of your body.

What is the Treatment of Gum infection?

The primary goal of gum infection treatment is to stop progress before it causes more damage to the tissues and bone. Gingivitis or gum infection usually is a reversible and treatable condition. Starting often by yourself at home by improving your oral health and hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. However, if the condition is not improving, you need to visit your dentist.

The dentist will begin by a thorough examination of the mouth to assess how far the disease has progressed. After examination and diagnosis, the dentist will proceed with a treatment plan, which may include oral hygiene reinforcement and Professional teeth cleaning and polishing. He may recommend a mouthwash to fight the leftover bacteria and ensure proper healing of the gum tissues.

In severe cases of gum infection, the dentist may recommend the following methods:

• Root planing: In this procedure, your teeth roots are deeply cleaned by your dentist using manual instrumentation.
• Soft tissue surgery: In this surgical procedure, the dentist raises your gum soft tissue and deeply cleans the area surrounding your teeth.
• Bone graft: In advanced cases where an extensive amount of tissue or bone has been lost, the dentist may use a bone or tissue graft. It involves applying a membrane to help the body grow new tissue and bone.
• Laser treatment: it is emerging technology that makes it easier to clean and maintain gums.

Are Teeth Cleaning and Polishing Treatment Painful Procedure?

Regular teeth cleaning treatment is typically a pain-free procedure. However, if you experience mild discomfort or pain, your dentist will numb your mouth before the procedure begins.

 How can I Prevent Gum infection?

Regular brushing and flossing keep the bacteria away. Here are some useful tips:

• Regular Brushing and floss:

You should maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing twice a day. Brushing removes the outer layer of bacteria surrounding your teeth, while flossing cleans the hidden residual food particles between your teeth.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it means you’re having gums infection. Remember, healthy gums do not bleed when brushed.

• Use an electric toothbrush:
  They can remove plaque and bacteria around your gums more effectively than manual toothbrushes.
• Avoid sugary diet:
  Diet with high sugars and starches content help bacteria grow faster. Reduce the intake of carbohydrates and snacks to improve your oral health.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco:
  Cigarettes and tobacco, damage all aspects of your health, including your oral health. It can affect your teeth and gums, leading to loss of teeth.
• Mouth breathing habit:
  Gum infection is very common in mouth breathers as lips fail to stay closed. So if you are a regular mouth breather you should seek treatment for mouthing breathing as well.
• Visit your dentist regularly:
  We recommended to have professional teeth cleaning at least every six months to keep your mouth healthy and bacteria-free.

Are you excited to know more about Gum infection treatment and prevention, please contact us to schedule an appointment? Our expert dentist will treat you to perfection!