Will I Need Antibiotics for my Gum Infection?

If you have a gum infection, you may be wondering whether a trip to the dentist is necessary, and whether or not you’ll need antibiotics to kill the infection.

Only your dentist can really determine whether or not you really need antibiotics to heal your gum infection. So, it’s wise to go ahead and make an appointment. He or she may also give you medicine to help with the pain and swelling. If the infection is not severe, no antibiotics may be required.

You can get a jump on healing your gum infection by rinsing several times a day with salt water or hydrogen peroxide. Either will help relieve the symptoms and begin the healing process. Some minor infections can be healed by this treatment alone, but you should let your dentist make the decision.

You should also begin work on preventing future gum infections. This is best accomplished by improving your oral hygiene routine. A good oral hygiene routine kills the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. Since most gum infections are the result of periodontal illness, keeping your mouth free of bacteria can help with many problems. A good oral hygiene routine can also help ensure that all debris that is caught around teeth and gums are removed before they can cause problems.

A good oral hygiene routine consists of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You should also rinse a couple of times a day with mouthwash, especially when you are unable to brush.

In addition to better daily oral hygiene, you should also be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings. Professional cleanings remove the plaque from your teeth that has formed because bacteria have not been completely removed. Once plaque has formed, you cannot remove it at home, so you should not skip your professional cleanings.

With a treatment plan from your dentist and good oral hygiene at home, you should be able to heal your gum infection, and prevent future ones.

Your dentist is the right person to determine which treatment is best suited to heal your gum infection, but you’re certainly qualified to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to have the best oral hygiene routine possible. This, in itself, can go a long way to making certain that your mouth is healthy and feels clean.