Gum infection or Periodontitis is an infection in the soft tissue that supports your teeth. Without gum infection treatment in time, it can lead to the loss of your teeth. Fortunately, some symptoms can help detect the disease early. So, let’s see what to do if you get a gum infection.
Is Gum Infection Common?
According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Periodontitis is a very common infection among U.S. adults. About 4 in 10 adults over the age of 30 are suffering from some level of Periodontitis.
Types of Gum Infections
There are 2 types of gum infection based on the severity of the infection, Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflation of the gums near where the tooth is attached. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum infection and can be reversed with proper treatment. Symptoms of Gingivitis are hard to detect, but if you find anything then go to your dentist for proper gum infection treatment and medication immediately.
- Red and Swollen Gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
- Loose Teeth
- Pain during eating
- Foul-smelling breath that lasts after brushing
If Gingivitis is left untreated, it can result in eventual loss of your tooth.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic gum infection that targets the supporting tissue around the teeth. Periodontitis is an irreversible condition, however, with proper gum infection treatment; it can be managed and slowed down.
According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9 % of adults in the US suffer from severe periodontitis. If you notice symptoms of Periodontitis, then contact your dentist for immediate gum infection treatment.
- Loose Teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit
- Any change in partial denture fitting
- Formation of Sores in Mouth
- Receding Gum Lines
Causes of Gum Infection
Gum infection is mainly caused by Plaque build-up. Plaque is a thin film on the tooth that is released by bacteria inside your mouth. Plaque is easily removed during brushing and flossing, however, if it is not removed properly, then it hardens into Tartar.
Tartar is not removable through brushing and requires professional teeth cleaning treatment. Both Plaque and Tartar build-up can reach below your gums, which results in the formation of a periodontal pocket. When bacteria release toxins in these pockets, it results in the inflation of gums. This ultimately causes bone loss and destruction of gum tissue around the teeth.
Types of Gum Infection Treatments
There are 3 main ways through which gum infections are treated. Your doctor will help build a cessation plan that works for you, according to your condition.
Deep Cleaning of Teeth
There are 3 major techniques that professionals use to clean your teeth without requiring surgery.
- Teeth Scaling – This procedure involves the doctor, performing a procedure to remove hardened tartar from your teeth and below the gums.
- Root Planing – Root planing involves smoothing rough spots and removing plaque and Tartar from the roots of your teeth.
- Laser treatment – Sometimes, dental clinics have facilities for the usage of lasers for teeth scaling and root planning. These are less painful and cause less bleeding than manually performing the procedure.
Medication
Several medicines can be used to treat gum infections. Consult your dentist before deciding which medicines to take.
- Mouthwash – Antiseptic mouthwash is an option to disinfect your mouth.
- Antibiotic Microspheres – These microspheres containing minocycline are inserted into pockets after teeth scaling and root planning.
- Antiseptic Chips – After teeth scaling and root planning, antiseptic chips are fitted into pockets.
- Antibiotics – Doctors will prescribe antibiotic medicine to treat inflation.
- Doxycycline – This medicine prevents enzymes from damaging your teeth.
Surgery
If the gum infection is severe including bone and tissue loss, then surgery is the only option to cure you. The surgery performed is of 3 types:
- Flap Surgery – In this procedure, your gums are lifted back to remove Tartar from the pockets. Afterward, they are placed to fit correctly around the tooth.
- Grafting – If your gums and teeth are too damaged to be healed, then grafting is performed to prevent further tissue loss and promote bone growth.
- Dental Crown Lengthening – Sometimes, patients develop excess tissue in their gums. In such cases, the doctor will reshape your bone tissues to expose your teeth more.
Conclusion
Gum infections are very painful and cause a lot of problems. Thus, it is important to treat your gums early before they develop something chronic and irreversible. If you are a Houston resident, then visit All Star Dental for proper gum infection treatment and dental check-ups to maintain good oral health.