Is a Gum Infection a Sign of Periodontal Disease?

If you have a gum infection, you’re likely wondering what caused it and if it is a sign of something more serious. While only your dentist can diagnose exactly what’s causing your gum infection, after a thorough exam, it is highly possible that your gum infection is caused by periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is advanced gingivitis, which is quite common. While the symptoms of gingivitis are typically sore and bleeding gums, once it escalates into periodontal disease, gum infections are a common symptom.

Periodontal disease causes gums to recede away from the teeth, which allows pockets to form in the gums. It is easy for these pockets to trap food and debris, which can lead to infection.

Over time, receding gums can also cause nerves to be exposed, causing pain, and can cause teeth to loosen, and even fall out.

Once gums have receded, only oral surgery, including grafting can restore the lost gums. That’s why preventing your gingivitis from turning into full-blown periodontal disease is so important. But, even if you have already developed periodontal disease, you can prevent it from getting worse with good oral hygiene.

Taking care of your mouth on a daily basis and visiting your dentist regularly are the best ways to prevent gingivitis, and ultimately, gum infection and disease.

Brush twice a day, floss at least once, and rinse several times a day with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. These steps will help rid your mouth of the bacteria that causes all the problems. In addition, be certain to get twice yearly cleanings from your dentist. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove plaque once it has formed on the teeth.

For best results, choose all natural products for your oral hygiene routine. Those made from mint oils are a good choice. All natural mint oil is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, and it has no artificial ingredients. You’ll get superior bacterial removal without having to worry about allergic reactions, canker sores or consuming alcohol in your mouthwash.

Periodontal disease is no laughing matter. If you have a gum infection, get to the dentist as quickly as you can. Until your appointment, you can rinse with hydrogen peroxide or salt water to ease the symptoms and begin the healing process. Even if your gum infection is not caused by periodontal disease, a professional should treat it. But, don’t forget to step up your oral hygiene routine to prevent any further oral health problems.