How to Treat Infected Gums

If your gums are red, swollen, and easily bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease, which means your gums have become infected. Fortunately, you can treat this problem before it gets worse. While infected gums are relatively common, it’s important that you seek care as soon as you notice symptoms. This will allow you to get effective treatment through the least invasive approach.

A variety of treatment options are available for infected gums, and your dentist can recommend the most beneficial one depending on the severity of your condition. Common solutions for infected gums include antibiotic therapy, scaling and root planing, and laser dentistry to sterilize the area. While all of these solutions can be effective for the right individuals, the best way to prevent the problems associated with gum disease is ultimately to avoid the condition altogether.

Preventative dental habits, including practicing good oral hygiene, are an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By prioritizing these habits in your daily life, you can reduce your risk of infected gums, as well as a variety of other oral health problems like tooth decay. Our dentists recommend adopting certain routines to ensure your teeth and gums stay in good shape for years to come.

While oral health habits can differ from one person to the next, most people benefit from the following guidelines: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and using ADA-recommended mouthwash. In addition, visiting your dentist twice every year for a professional cleaning and exam is important for ensuring your mouth hasn’t developed any health issues. If you are showing signs of gingivitis, or are currently managing gum disease, you may need additional routine care, such as more frequent visits to the dentist.