Gum Disease Infection

A gum disease infection, known more commonly as periodontal disease, is an infection in the gums caused by excess plaque and tartar buildup. Poor dental hygiene, such as not flossing and brushing, can cause plaque and tartar to form on the teeth, causing infection. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), approximately 80 percent of Americans currently suffer from the condition.

Types

• Gingivitis is the first, and less severe, type of gum disease infection. It causes the gums to swell up and redden and bleed. The more severe form is called periodontitis, which infects the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, breaking down the bones and connective tissue that holds teeth in place.

Risk Factors

• According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), people who smoke, are diabetic, have cancer or AIDS are at a higher risk for developing gum disease infection. People under constant stress are also at a higher risk because it lowers their ability to fight all infections, including gum disease infection. Females dealing with hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause, also develop gum disease infection more easily because it makes their teeth more sensitive.

Symptoms

• Signs of gum disease infection include persistent bad breath, pain while chewing, and loose or sensitive teeth. The gums also look red or swollen. Tenderness or bleeding also occur around the gums.

Treatment

• According to MedicineNet, treatment for gum disease infection includes a process called scaling and root planing. The first part, scaling, removes plaque buildup from below the gum line. The second part, root planing, smooths out rough spots on the roots of teeth. This limits where germs can accumulate in the root, reducing the risk of further infection. A dentist may give the person a local anesthetic during the process because it can feel uncomfortable. After the procedure, antibiotics and a prescription antimicrobial mouthwash may be prescribed to stop the infection.

  If scaling and root planing does not stop the infection, surgery is used. Flap surgery surgically lifts back the gums, which allows access to the deep pockets under the gum line. The surgeon then cleans out any plaque buildup or shrinks the size of the pocket.

  After the surgery, the physician may use guided tissue regeneration, which encourages bone and connective tissue to regrow, strengthening the teeth. The surgeon does this by placing a small, mesh-like piece of fabric between the gums and the teeth.

Prevention/Solution

• Gum disease infections are preventable. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day prevents plaque buildup, the main substance that contributes to a gum disease infection. Abstaining from tobacco use also prevents the infection from worsening. Visiting the dentist regularly is also helpful because the dentist can remove accumulated plaque buildup, reducing the risk of developing a gum disease infection.