What is gum infection and how is it treated?

**Gum infection** is one of the common dental problems that can have serious effects on oral and body health. This type of infection, which is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and dental plaque, can lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums and, in more advanced stages, to the loss of teeth. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms and home and medical methods **treatment of gum infection**. Stay with us to ensure your oral and dental health by knowing better about this disease. What is gum infection? Gum infection, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that damages the soft tissues that support the teeth. This infection is usually caused by the accumulation of dental plaque (including bacteria and food debris). In the early stages, gum infection leads to gingivitis (gingivitis), which is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. If this condition is not treated, it can become an advanced periodontitis disease, which can lead to tooth loss due to gingivitis and jaw bone destruction. You can see an example **photo of gum infection** here: Reasons for gum infection Dental plaque that is not removed every day gradually hardens and forms dental plaque. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum disease. Only professional scaling by a dentist or oral hygienist can remove the scale. There are several risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most important. Smoking can also reduce the success of gum disease treatment. (quoted by NIH) Other causes of gum infection include the following: Neglecting oral hygiene - Accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tooth surface and gum line - Hormonal changes in women (especially during pregnancy) - Specific diseases such as diabetes or AIDS and their medications - Genetics - Weakness of the immune system - Irregularity of teeth - Incomplete tooth restoration - Use of improper dentures - Unhealthy diet - Stress and anxiety symptoms of gum infection - Gum swelling and redness - Gum color change (read this article to learn about the cause of gum color change.) Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing - Unpleasant taste in the mouth - Bad breath - Creating pus bags on the gums and around the teeth - Receding or receding gums - Purulent secretions from the gum area - Change in the way the teeth are positioned - Loose teeth - Gum and tooth pain - Feeling tired - Fever Infectious gum disease is usually related to adults, but sometimes children also get it. The main cause of gum infection in children is the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, which manifests itself with swelling and inflammation of the gums. Gum infection treatment at home With the help of some home methods, infected gums can be controlled and treated to some extent. Treatment of gum infection at home, which includes changes in oral hygiene habits, use of natural ingredients and proper diet, only reduces inflammation and relieves **symptoms of gum infection**. Therefore, the best solution is to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. ### green tea Green tea contains compounds that limit the growth of bacteria that cause gum infection and help reduce inflammation. In fact, drinking green tea counteracts the inflammatory response of the immune system to the bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the damage to the gums and supporting the jawbone. Green tea is a good choice for those who ask **what to eat for gum infection**? ### hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent combination for soothing minor mouth irritations, killing bacteria, and preventing skin infections from minor cuts and scrapes. To treat gum infection at home, it is enough to get a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution from the pharmacy and use it as a mouthwash after diluting it with 50% water. ### aloe vera Aloe vera plant has anti-plaque properties and is useful for reducing bleeding and gingivitis in orthodontics or in normal conditions. If gum infection has caused sores and inflammation in your mouth, you can relieve these symptoms by using aloe vera. Gently massage some aloe vera gel on the gums or swish it in your mouth as a mouthwash for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Pay attention to prepare and use aloe vera gel, which has medicinal uses and is 100% pure. ### Turmeric Toothpaste Turmeric has an active compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This combination stops the growth of bacteria that are involved in the occurrence of gum diseases. Although adding turmeric to a variety of foods is a good way to absorb curcumin in the body, you can mix some turmeric powder with water and massage it on your teeth and gums like toothpaste for a faster effect. ### sage mouthwash Sage mouthwash is a natural alcohol-free formula that reduces bacteria and plaque and heals inflamed gums. To make sage mouthwash at home, add two tablespoons of fresh sage or one teaspoon of dried herb to two cups of boiling water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Strain the obtained decoction and let it cool. Keep your mouthwash in a bottle and gargle a small amount twice a day for 30 seconds. ### water and salt Salt water solution is known as a natural antiseptic and a simple and affordable home remedy to reduce the symptoms of gum infection and periodontal diseases. Salt destroys harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevents their growth and reproduction. Regular gargling with lukewarm salt water solution is an effective way to dry pus and treat toothache infection. This method is also useful and safe for treating gum infection in children. ### lemon oil Lemon balm oil is an antibacterial detergent that has been proven to treat gum inflammation and infection. Mouthwash containing lemon balm oil can significantly reduce the level of bacterial plaques on the gums and teeth. To prepare this natural mouthwash at home, add 2-3 drops of lemon balm oil to a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds. This combination may irritate the lining of your mouth, so try just one drop of lemongrass oil first. If there is no problem, increase its amount. ### baking soda Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate fights against harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevents damage to the surface of the teeth and inflammation by reducing the level of acidity in the mouth. Baking soda also removes stains and makes teeth shine more. Mix some baking soda with water and prepare a whitening and anti-inflammatory toothpaste. ### Honey Antibacterial and disinfecting properties of honey are not hidden from anyone. These characteristics have turned honey into an effective substance for treating inflammation and gum infection, as well as bleeding and retraction of this tissue. You can apply honey directly on the site of inflammation or infection to kill harmful bacteria. Gum infection treatment with medical methods If infected gums are not treated in time, it can lead to damage to the supporting tissues of the tooth and even tooth loss. Definitive treatment of infected gums usually includes medical procedures that aim to reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and restore gum health. In the following, we mention the most important medical solutions for **treatment of gum infection**. ### antibiotic The most common way to treat gum infection with medical methods is to use antibiotics. The dentist may prescribe you antibiotics in oral form or in the form of topical gel and mouthwash (chlorhexidines) to clean the teeth and gums. The best antibiotics for tooth and gum infection that dentists usually prescribe include penicillin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, antibiotics containing tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and microcillin. In some cases, the use of oral azithromycin, clindamycin and cephalexin is necessary for **treatment of gum infection**. It is recommended to avoid taking any antibiotics without consulting your doctor. ### Injection of medicine by a dentist Sometimes, the dentist uses the method of injecting medicine in the gums for quick treatment and reduction of gum infection and inflammation in the shortest time. In this method, anti-inflammatory drugs and antiseptics are injected by the dentist in the infected gum tissue. ### Tooth root treatment If the gum infection is caused by a tooth infection (such as a tooth pulp infection) or if periodontitis has spread to the tissues around the tooth and even the root, the dentist treats the root of the tooth to eliminate the source of infection and improve the condition of the gums. In addition, if there is a dental abscess, a feeling of severe pain and discomfort, and the inability of drug treatments to treat and improve the symptoms of infected gums, the dentist may suggest root canal treatment.