What Is a Gum Infection?
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage. Your gums turn red, swell, and bleed when you brush. The damage stays in the gum tissue. Professional care reverses it. Early treatment plays the biggest role in curing gingivitis.
- Periodontitis: An advanced stage. The infection reaches the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth. Your gums pull away from your teeth and form deep pockets where bacteria collect. Periodontitis is permanent, but treatment slows the damage and protects your remaining bone.
- Gum abscess: A pocket of pus forms inside the gum tissue and causes sharp pain and swelling. Food particles or bacteria trapped in a deep gum pocket often trigger an abscess.
Gum Infection Symptoms to Watch For
- New decay around a crown or filling: Decay may develop where the restoration meets the tooth. If bacteria reach the root canal filling, reinfection can occur.
- A loose, cracked, or broken crown: A damaged restoration can allow bacteria and saliva to enter previously sealed areas.
- A missed or difficult canal: Some teeth have narrow, curved, or complex canals that may be difficult to detect or completely treat during the first procedure.
- A crack or fracture: Chewing forces, trauma, large restorations, or grinding can weaken a tooth over time.
- Inflammation near the root tip: Bacteria within complex canal anatomy may contribute to inflammation around the end of the root.
- Gum disease or excessive bite pressure: Loss of supporting tissue, clenching, or an uneven bite can make a treated tooth sore.
A review available through the National Institutes of Health also identifies persistent bacteria, untreated anatomy, and inadequate sealing as possible contributors. Pain years later may therefore result from a new problem or an issue related to the earlier treatment.
What Causes Gum Infections?
- Smoking or vaping
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Medications causing dry mouth
- Crowded teeth or worn fillings trapping food
- A weakened immune system
How to Treat Gum Infection: Professional Treatment Options
Your dentist examines your gums, measures the pockets around your teeth, and takes X-rays to check bone levels. The results show your dentist how to treat gum infection at its current stage.
Professional Dental Cleaning
For gingivitis, a professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline. With good home care, your gums begin to heal within one to two weeks.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Periodontitis treatment starts with scaling and root planing. Your dentist numbs the area, then removes tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, which helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
Antibiotics for Gum Infection
Your dentist places antibiotic gel or microspheres directly into deep gum pockets. For severe or spreading infections, your dentist prescribes oral antibiotics. Finish the full course, even after your symptoms improve.
Abscess Drainage
Your dentist drains the abscess to release pus and relieve pressure, then cleans the area. When the infection reaches the tooth pulp, your dentist recommends a root canal.
Gum Surgery
Advanced periodontitis requires surgical care. Common procedures include:
- Flap surgery: Your periodontist lifts the gums, removes deep tartar deposits, and stitches the tissue in place.
- Gum grafts: Your periodontist moves healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover exposed roots.
- Bone grafts: A dental bone graft rebuilds bone lost to infection and restores support for your teeth.
Gum Infection Home Remedies to Support Healing
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day to clear plaque between your teeth.
- Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) two to three times a day.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash your dentist recommends.
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek for 15 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label. For more relief tips, read our guide on how to stop tooth pain fast.
- Quit smoking to improve blood flow to your gums.
Risks of an Untreated Gum Infection
An untreated gum infection destroys gum tissue and the bone holding your teeth in place. Your teeth loosen, shift, and fall out. Periodontitis and tooth decay are the two leading causes of tooth loss. Researchers also link gum disease to heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Early treatment protects your teeth and your overall health.
How to Prevent Gum Infection
- Keep Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist removes tartar and spots early signs of gum disease.
- Follow a Periodontal Maintenance Schedule: If you have a history of periodontitis, schedule periodontal maintenance every three to four months. These deep cleanings stop bacteria from returning to your gum pockets.
- Manage Your Health Conditions: Diabetes and other health conditions weaken your body’s defense against infection. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control.
- Care for Your Dental Implants: Clean around dental implants with care. Gum infection around implants leads to a loose dental implant.
Conclusion: Protect Your Gum Health with Expert Care
Schedule Your Gum Infection Evaluation Today
Call us at (201) 279-0440 or visit us at 47 East Madison Ave, Dumont, NJ 07628.
