Gum infections, also known as periodontal disease, are serious dental issues that should not go untreated. Left unchecked, gum infections can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and other health complications.
What causes gum infections?
Gum infections occur when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums and can lead to inflammation and pockets forming between the gums and teeth.
These pockets become infected by bacteria. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, this can lead to the teeth becoming loose and even falling out.
Stages of gum infection
There are various stages of gum infection ranging from mild to severe:
- Gingivitis – This is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
- Periodontitis – At this stage, gum pockets have formed and become infected. Toxins from bacteria begin to break down gum and bone tissue. Symptoms include bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth.
- Advanced periodontitis – Significant bone and tissue loss occurs. Tooth loss is likely as the gums and bone can no longer support the teeth.
What happens if gum infections go untreated?
If gum infections are left untreated, the disease will continue to worsen leading to a number of problems:
- The pockets between the gums and teeth will deepen and fill with more bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This further irritates the gums and bone.
- More gum tissue and bone will be destroyed. The teeth will become loose and can fall out.
- Bacteria and infections can spread through the bloodstream, potentially leading to issues like respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes complications, rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, and premature birth in pregnant women.
- The bone loss in the jaw can lead to changes in facial structure, such as making the mouth look collapsed.
Advanced gum disease is irreversible. But the earlier stages can often be treated and halted to prevent severe tooth and bone loss.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gum infection include:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
- Receding gums
- New spaces developing between teeth
Risk factors
Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing gum infections:
- Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing and flossing properly leads to plaque buildup.
- Smoking – Smokers are more susceptible to infections.
- Genetics – Some people may be more genetically prone to gum disease.
- Unmanaged diabetes – Uncontrolled blood sugar weakens the immune response making gum infections more likely.
- Medications – Some drugs like oral contraceptives, heart medications, and antidepressants increase vulnerability.
- Grinding teeth – Wearing down the enamel makes teeth more prone to plaque buildup.
- Poor nutrition – Vitamin C deficiency makes gums more susceptible to infection.
- Stress – High stress levels seem to increase severity of gum disease.
- Hormonal changes – Fluctuations, especially in puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, can increase gum sensitivity.
- Illnesses – Conditions like HIV, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis make infections more likely.
Diagnosis
Dentists can diagnose gum infections by:
- Asking about symptoms
- Examining the teeth and gums
- Checking for plaque buildup
- Measuring gum pockets
- Taking dental x-rays to see bone loss
- Testing for loose teeth
Treatment
Treatment for gum infections includes:
- Improved oral hygiene – More frequent and thorough brushing and flossing to remove plaque. Using antiseptic mouthwash can also help.
- Deep cleaning – Scaling and root planing cleans under the gums.
- Medications – Prescription antimicrobial mouthrinses or antibiotic gels applied directly to infected pockets.
- Oral antibiotics – Antibiotics taken orally may be prescribed for severe infections.
- Surgery – Flaps of gum tissue may be lifted to clean infected areas and remove diseased tissue. Bone grafts can help regenerate lost bone.
- Laser therapy – Lasers can remove infected gum tissue and encourage healing.
- Drainage – Draining abscesses helps relieve infection.
- Tooth extraction – Advanced infections may require removing severely affected teeth.
Prevention
Preventing gum infections involves:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
- Seeing the dentist for cleanings and checkups every 6 months
- Quitting smoking
- Consuming healthy diet with nutrients like vitamin C
- Drinking water to stay hydrated
- Using mouthwash to kill excess bacteria
- Getting diabetes and other medical conditions under control
- Avoiding teeth grinding by managing stress or wearing a mouth guard
When to see a dentist
It is important to see a dentist if you notice any symptoms of a gum infection. The dentist can diagnose, treat, and monitor the infection. Prompt treatment gives the best chance at reversing damage and preventing extensive treatment.
See a dentist right away if you notice swollen, bleeding, receding, or tender gums. Also seek dental care if you have persistent bad breath or see signs of infection like pus. Catching gum disease early makes treatment more straightforward and effective.
Complications
Potential complications of leaving gum infections untreated include:
- Tooth loss – Without treatment, advanced infections lead to teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out.
- Bone loss – Chronic infection destroys the bony sockets holding teeth in place.
- Receding gums – Gums detach from teeth and shrink back exposing more tooth surface.
- Systemic infection – Bacteria can enter the bloodstream potentially spreading infection throughout the body.
- Abscesses – Pockets of pus can form in the gums.
- Difficulty eating – Chewing becomes difficult as teeth loosen and fall out.
- Digestive issues – Poor nutrition from reduced ability to chew and swallow.
- Facial collapse – Loss of underlying bone can make face look “caved in.”
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing |
| Periodontitis | Gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, pus between teeth and gums |
| Advanced Periodontitis | Significant bone and tissue loss, high risk of tooth loss |
Conclusion
Gum infections should never go untreated. Seeking prompt professional treatment is critical to halting tissue and bone loss before it is too late. With early diagnosis, it is often possible to reverse gum infections through improved oral hygiene, deep cleanings, and other treatments.
Left undiagnosed and untreated, gum disease will continue worsening leading to permanent tooth and bone loss. Advanced cases can cause facial changes, systemic health issues, and complications like abscesses and digestive problems.
Prevention through daily brushing, flossing, healthy habits, and professional cleanings is the best way to avoid needing extensive treatments. But if signs of infection do arise, seek dental care right away for the best chance of reversing the damage.