Everything about Gum Infection – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Generally, infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The leading cause of gum infections is bacteria, which resides in the mouth (normal flora). These bacteria multiply due to poor oral hygiene. Leftover food in the mouth provides a breeding ground for bacteria growth, thereby increasing the risks of gum infections. In addition, gum infection has also been linked with other diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disease.
That’s why it’s crucial to go for regular dental checkups and treat all gum infections on time to prevent further complications.
What Causes Gum Infection?
We’ve already pointed out that bacteria accumulation in the gum is the leading cause of gum infection. So, the question is, what causes these bacteria to thrive?
Majorly, it’s due to poor oral hygiene. When there’s leftover food in your mouth, bacteria have a feast, thereby causing a plaque around the teeth. When the plaque hardens, it forms tartar, which is harder to remove by brushing. That’s why you should always brush your teeth regularly to remove plaque before it sets. Tartar buildup gives room for bacteria to invade your teeth and gums, exposing them to infection.
Other factors that increase the risk of gum infection include:
· Smoking
· Hormonal changes, especially in pregnant women
· Genetics
· Diabetes
· Immunodeficiency
· Crooked teeth
· Medications that cause dry mouth
· Oral devices such as loose bridges or dentures
Symptoms of Gum Infection
The severity of symptoms of gum infections differs depending on the location of the infection and how advanced it is.
Gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease. Although not an infection, gingivitis can aggravate gum disease and cause periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become puffy and prone to bleeding when brushing.
Other gum infection symptoms include:
· Chronic bad breath
· Receding gums and loose teeth
· Teeth becoming sensitive to cold and hot items
· Bleeding gum, especially while brushing
· Pain when chewing
· Bad taste and pus discharge in the mouth
· Loosening of previously fitting dentures or dental braces
If untreated, gum infection may lead to abscess formation (a pocket of pus within the gum which require prompt treatment by a dentist). Also, a prolonged infection can result in tooth loss and other severe medical emergencies if bacteria causing gum infection enter the bloodstream.
How to Prevent Gum Infection
They say that prevention is better than cure, which also applies to gum infections. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends good oral hygiene. That entails:
· Brushing teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
· Using a medicated mouthwash
· Quitting smoking
· Flossing after meals to dislodge leftover food between the teeth
· Limiting sugar intake
· Gargling using warm salty water
· Rinsing your mouth using fresh water after eating or taking sugary beverages
The above remedies prevent the formation of plaque around the teeth.
In addition to these home remedies, the CDC recommends paying a visit to your dentist every six months for checkups and professional tooth cleaning. If you’re looking for a dentist near you, you can schedule an appointment with us to have your mouth checked for any gum infections.
Treating Gum Infection
Your dentist can recommend the following treatment options for gum infection:
· Antibiotic therapy. You must complete the dose given to keep your body from developing resistance
· Gingivectomy is another treatment method that entails removing the infected tissues. This happens if the gum tissue is beyond repair
· Scaling and root planning. Although more invasive as it entails deep cleaning the area between the gum and tooth to the root, scaling and root planning treatment is best for people with moderate infections.
· Flap surgery. People with severe gum diseases undergo flap surgery to prevent the disease from progressing to nearby teeth
Our guide shows that a greater margin can prevent gum disease if you maintain proper oral hygiene, quit smoking, and visit your dentist regularly. Remember that a healthy mouth also means a healthy you.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!