Gum Infection Symptoms

This is a dental disease that is caused when the teeth and gums are attacked by bacteria. These bacteria are present in the plaque (sticky substance) formed in our mouth. When proper care is not taken of the teeth, the bacteria produces certain toxic substances which damage the teeth as well as the gums. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis where swelling occurs on the gums. However, most people do not experience any pain and the condition of the gums worsens because treatment is not given at the proper time.

Gingivitis when not treated transforms into periodontitis which is quite a serious condition. By this time, the bacteria and germs in the mouth multiply, thus damaging the gums and also the bones that provide support to the teeth. As gum diseases are quite serious, it is important that people recognize their symptoms so that they can receive medical attention as soon as possible. Nevertheless, before we go into details about symptoms, it is important to know about the reasons that lead to this problem of the gums.

Causes

• One of the most common cause is improper dental care. People who do not clean their teeth regularly as well as properly by brushing and flossing their teeth are at the highest risk of suffering from this problem.
• Genetics also plays an important role in such infections. People whose parents or grandparents suffer from the problem are highly prone to have it. They can be affected by it even if they indulge in regular dental care.
• People who smoke or chew tobacco can also be affected by the infection. Other than this, pregnant women also are said to have gum diseases because of the hormonal changes that occur in their body during the period of gestation.
• Another reason for the occurrence of gum diseases in people is due to the intake of certain types of medications. People who take drugs like anti depressants, medications for the heart, oral contraceptives, etc., are reported to have this infection.
• Health problems like diabetes are also said to be one of the reasons for a person to develop this infection. Apart from all these causes, the condition also arises when the body does not receive the nutrients that are required to function properly and stay healthy.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that you should keep in mind include:

Swelling and Bleeding: People suffering from gingivitis may notice swelling in their gums. Along with the swelling, they may also have to experience a feeling of tenderness all over the gums. The teeth and gums of a person who has gingivitis become so sensitive that they start bleeding even while brushing or flossing. One may also observe redness on the area of the gums.

Bad Breath and Pus: One of the main symptom of periodontitis is bad breath. You may have a foul mouth odor which may not go away even after trying out different treatment methods. It is also common for a patient to experience pain in the gums accompanied by pus in between teeth and gums. It is also common to experience canker sores during infection.

Teeth Problems: The presence of infection in gums can soon spread to the teeth due to which the teeth becomes weak and may also come out. One may also find a difference in the way the teeth come together when they are clenched tightly. There is also a possibility that the space between the teeth increases due to this infection.

Treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms of gum disease, it is crucial that you consult the dentist as soon as possible. If it is a minor case of gum disease, he may give you some medications to reduce the swelling and bleeding. Along with the drugs given by the doctor, you can also try some home remedies which do not have any side effects. One natural method is to gargle your mouth with a mixture of lukewarm water and salt. Massaging your gums with clove oil and hydrogen peroxide are also effective ways of curing gum diseases. However, if it is a severe case of periodontitis, the treatment measures that your dentist will recommend are scaling and root planing. Surgery may also be required if the gums are completely damaged.

I hope you have understood the gravity of this infection and will surely keep a check on whether you have any of these symptoms. However, you must remember that it is best to take some simple precautionary measures to avoid it from occurring. One must brush as well as floss one's teeth regularly, at least twice a day and more importantly should visit the dentist every six months to prevent infection from occurring.