Just about every area of your body is susceptible to infection, including your mouth. And if you have an infection, it’s important to get treatment promptly. In the case of your mouth, infected gums can not only be very painful, they can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as advanced periodontal disease, otherwise known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis affects the area of your mouth just below the gum line, in the v-shaped crevice between your tooth and gums, known as the sulcus. This impacts the attachment of your tooth and causes the nearby tissue to break down. Once the tissue is damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that can store bacteria and lead to gum infection. Since gums provide fundamental support for our teeth, it’s vital to keep them, and your gum line, in good health.
Gum Infection Symptoms
Although serious gum infections aren’t extremely common, they can lead to major issues if not treated in a timely manner. While most of us want to keep our teeth and gums healthy, your gums can be prone to gum infection if not cared for properly. Identifying warning signs that can lead to infected gums is an important way to help prevent further gum disease and all the side effects that come with it.
Signs That You May Have Infected Gums Include:
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, it is important that you visit and consult with your dentist to determine the severity of infection and the proper course of action to take to combat the issue.
Gum Infection Treatments
As soon as you notice a gum infection, you should consult with a dentist. Once gum infection is diagnosed, you will have numerous treatment options that will vary based on the severity of the gum infection. Here are some common methods of treatment for gum infection:
How to Prevent Gum Infection
Maintaining healthy gums and avoiding infection can be easy if you make oral hygiene a priority every day. By brushing and flossing daily, you can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and infected gums, in addition to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Start a diligent routine and stick to it, and you will benefit from these healthy habits.
Since prevention is the best way to avoid gum infection, it’s important to make caring for your teeth and gums a top priority. Following these important guidelines will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and help prevent gum infection.