Gum Infection Can Take Bite Out Of Social Life
If you have ever been bothered by a slight pain where the teeth meet the gums, think back on what you have recently eaten that may have been jammed between the gums and your teeth. Crunchy foods are easily caught in these areas and unless removed through proper oral hygiene can lead to a gum infection that can be both painful and troublesome. Typically, food particles that are left to decay on their own not only exacerbate the problems associated with a gum infection, but they can also make your breath take on the odor of the rotting food.
In addition to the resulting bad breath, a gum infection can make the gums and teeth tender making if painful to eat and to even talk. If left alone to heal on its own, it can result in the growth of gum disease such as gingivitis and actually promote tooth decay. On the flip side, an uncared for cavity can promote a gum infection leading to other health issues as well.
Sometimes the gum infection will manifest itself as an abscess that could end up requiring medical and surgical intervention. If the abscess bubble bursts on its own, the bacteria in the infection will be ingested and could eventually make its way into the blood stream.
Infections Of The Gums Easy To Diagnose
Whether a gum infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, they are easy to diagnose as they are almost always accompanied by inflammation and resulting painful swelling. Many times they can be confused with a dental problem involving the teeth, but when they appear they will need to be treated quickly or they will form into very painful swollen areas on the gums.
There are numerous home remedies for a gum infection including rinsing the mouth with salt water and using aloe vera juice as a rinse. In most cases however the pain of swollen gums will be present until the bubble is burst and the infectious material has been drained from the abscess. Many times this will happen on its own but occasionally the doctor will need to cut the tissue and drain the bacteria from the gum infection area.
In rare cases when the gum infection has been ignored, the bacteria can take up residence in other parts of the mouth, in which case the doctor may have to perform surgery to remove all of the infectious materials.
