If your gums bleed a bit or show signs of minimal swelling, their state can be quickly improved through good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing help to remove the bacteria and dental plaque that cause the gums to become inflamed. As a result, the earliest stages of gum disease can be reversed simply by cleaning the mouth more thoroughly.
Nevertheless, there are instances when at-home care may not be enough to improve the state of your gums. Here are a few signs you need professional intervention.
Abscessed Gums
An abscess is a swelling that may appear on the gums as pus builds up within the tissue. The abscess appears as a pimple-like bump and may surface just above or below a tooth.
The pressure caused by the accumulating pus results in constant discomfort that is exacerbated as the person eats. To relieve the pain, the abscess must be drained. This draining should be performed by a dental professional to ensure that it is performed safely and properly.
During the treatment process, the dentist makes a small cut across the abscess to release the infected fluid. However, the release of the pus does not ensure that the infection has been eradicated below the gum line and has not spread to other areas of the body. Thus, the dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to fully resolve the infection, preventing it from worsening or spreading.
It is not advisable to drain an abscess on your own. You could cause the infection to spread or damage the soft tissues of your mouth. Additionally, you may experience unnecessary discomfort during the lancing process.
Gum Pockets
Pockets form between the gums and the teeth as early gum inflammation progresses into a severe case of periodontal disease. The pockets allow the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar around the teeth and below the gum line, where they can increase the inflammation and facilitate an infection that may result in tooth and bone loss.
In order for the gums to heal and the pockets to dissipate, the spaces between the gums and the teeth must be cleared of the bacterial accumulations. This is done through a specialized scaling procedure. The buildup of tartar below the gum line may also cause the roots of the teeth to become rough and uneven. Consequently, a root planing procedure may be needed to smooth the roughened areas and allow the gingival tissues to heal.
For more information about keeping your gums healthy, schedule a consultation with Kyle J Frisinger DMD or another dentist in your area.
Share18 March 2018
Being born with naturally soft teeth, I've spent a lot of time in and out of the dentist's office. Not only have I learned a lot about basic dental care, I've also discovered many tips for dealing with broken teeth, extractions, implants, and more. I decided that I wanted to make the most of my experience by sharing what I've learned with others. True first-hand experience is a great teacher, and I knew that my story could help. I created this site to do just that, and I hope that the information here helps you to understand what to expect from your dental problems.