How to Treat Infected Gums

Gums or gingival tissues can get infected due to bacterial invasion, which can result due to lack of proper oral hygiene. There are several types of gum infection, out of which the most common type is gingivitis. When proper dental hygiene is not maintained, the tiny food particles can get lodged between the teeth and provide a favorable condition for bacterial growth. Growth of bacteria can cause the build up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque can transform to calculus or tartar, and ultimately infect and inflame the gums or cause gingivitis. If not treated promptly, gingivitis can progress to periodontal diseases, which can slowly destroy the tissues and the bones that support the teeth. This can result in separation of the gums from the teeth, and formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth, which can get easily infected by bacteria. It is of immense importance to treat infected gums as soon as possible, in order to prevent such major gum diseases.

Symptoms of Gum Infection

Its symptoms depends on the severity of the condition. In general, one can experience the following symptoms

• Mild to severe gum pain
• Toothache
• Swollen gums
• Redness and bleeding gums
• Bad breath

Treatment for Gum Infection

Infected gum can be treated with the help of some medications and home remedies. Minor gum infection can be addressed with medications that can relieve the symptoms like, swelling and pain. If the infection does not heal within a few days, then antibiotics can be required. Its treatment however, also requires the removal of the plaque or the tartar. Tartar remains so closely attached to the gums that it can be removed only by a professional. The patient may be required to come back again for another cleaning session in the future. After the removal of plaque and tartar, the physicians or dentists usually give instructions to the patient regarding how to maintain oral or dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, in order to prevent dental and gum diseases.

Flossing is immensely important to remove food particles from between and around the teeth. Along with regular brushing and flossing, dentists may also suggest the use of antibacterial mouthwash to prevent the excessive growth of bacteria inside the mouth. However, if it progresses to periodontal disease, then the treatment can require root planning and currettage. The plaque, as well as the inflamed soft tissues are removed from the pockets that develop around the teeth. The instrument that is used for this purpose is known as curette. In most of the cases, the gums reattach themselves to the teeth after the removal of the plaque and the inflamed tissues. But if this does not happen, then surgery can be required. This surgical procedure is known as gingivectomy.

Home Remedies for Gum Infection

If the infection is mild in nature, it is possible to treat this condition at home with some simple natural remedies.

• Gargle with slightly warm saline water several times a day.
• Due to its antibacterial properties, neem oil can be used for preventing the formation of plaque as well. Just apply neem oil on the infected gum and let it stay for some time, after which rinse the mouth.
• Clove oil is another excellent remedy whichc can be applied on the gum that is infected in order to relieve the pain. If you do not have clove oil, then keep a clove on the infected gum.
• Aloe Vera, renown for its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to speed up the healing of the infected gum. Just massage the infected gum with aloe vera gel to reduce the swelling and other symptoms.
• You can prepare an herbal mouthwash by mixing cinnamon and water. Gargle your mouth with this mixture in order to treat this infection. Even chamomile tea can be used for this purpose.
• Garlic is another natural remedy for this condition. Crush one or two cloves of garlic and then place it on the infected gum. If you have rock salt, then add a bit of it to the crushed garlic and then place it on the gum that is infected.
• To reduce the swelling or inflammation caused by this condition, try an ice pack.
• Apart from these, some other remedies are, honey, ginger, lemon juice and oregon grape root.

The home remedies mentioned above can no doubt help to treat minor infection and swelling, but for gum infection that seems to be serious in nature, please contact your dentists immediately. When left untreated, it will eventually lead to periodontal diseases, treatment of which can be quite complicated. So, get the condition of your teeth and gums properly evaluated with the help of a dentist, on observing any symptoms of infection. In the future, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and get your teeth checked up at regular intervals for proper dental care and to prevent the serious gum diseases.