Infections occur when a disease invades the tissue in our body. Infections usually cause pain, discomfort, and can lead to some pretty serious complications if they aren’t taken care of properly. The common cold is one example of an infection, and if you’ve ever scraped your knee you may have seen another type of infection. But what about infection when it comes to the health of your mouth? Yes, it is possible to have an infection. In fact, gum infections are common, but can also be serious. Here’s how to spot gum infection so that you can get it taken care of as quickly as possible before you do unnecessary harm to your mouth.
“Gum infection” is a broad term that can mean something as simple and as a mild case of gingivitis, to gum disease, to an abscess around the root of your tooth. The longer the infection is left untreated, the more obvious the signs will be that there is a problem. Ideally, you want to catch the infection early when symptoms are still mild.
The first thing to watch for when it comes to gum infection is tooth sensitivity. You should also watch for swollen, tender, or bleeding gums as well as receding gums.
As the infection persists, you may notice puss coming from the gums, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath. If you notice that your bite has changed or feels different, you may also be at risk for gum infection.
In serious cases where the infection has been left to spread, you may notice a white or clear drainage from the infected area.
If you experience any of these symptoms it is a good idea to give your dentist a call. You’ll need a trusted dentist to assess how long the infection has been left to spread, and how severe the problem is. Together you should come up with a plan to combat the infection and get your mouth healthy again.
Being able to spot gum infection as early is one way to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible. But it is better still to avoid a gum infection altogether.
How can you avoid gum infections? Practice good oral health practices. That means regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water. You can also maintain a healthy mouth by taking care of any existing disease or tooth decay as quickly as possible. This is done by visiting your dentist to correct these issues, and regularly scheduling checkups to catch any new disease or decay as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a dentist you can trust to correct existing gum infection as well as stop future infection in its tracks, look no further than the Crawford Leishman Dental. Whether you need a minor procedure or something more invasive, the dentists at Crawford Leishman will make you feel comfortable and at home. For expert, compassionate dentists in Orem, contact the Crawford Leishman Dental today.
