5 ways to spot gum infection at home

Gum infection is no fun. Not only does it lead to missing teeth and more serious health issues, it can’t be treated on its own, no matter how many times you brush and floss.

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Often the result of poor oral hygiene, gingivitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.

Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria, which can mineralise and form tartar, if not removed by a proper twice-daily dental hygiene routine and regular professional cleans. It acts a warning sign for periodontitis, which is a much more serious form of gum disease.

Periodontitis occurs when the bone below the gums gets infected or inflamed. As more bone tissue is lost, the gum pockets become deeper and teeth may eventually become loose and fall out.

Missing teeth is your worst-case scenario as it leads to much more costly and high-end dental treatment including dental implants and crowns. Additionally, it affects the functionality of your mouth and your overall health.

Your goal is to avoid gum infection in the first place by brushing twice a day for two minutes long, flossing and using mouthwash daily, visiting your dentist every six months for a check-up and clean, and self-examining to ensure your teeth are on the right track.

How to self-examine for gum infection

Self-examining for gum infection is much easier than it sounds, and it’s convenient for both you and your dentist in between your regular check-ups. You simply need a torch, a mirror and clean fingers. You can even use a disposable ice cream stick to help you. Check your teeth for yellow films/deposits, check your breath for odours, and check your gums for the following signs of gum infection.

Signs for spotting gum infection

If you notice that your breath smells no matter how much mouthwash or mints you use, this could be a sign of gum infection. Gum infection is associated with poor dental hygiene over a period of time, so quick fixes like mints or gum won’t do much help. The build-up of plaque and bacteria can only be treated with a trip to the dentist to leave your mouth clean and healthy.

Do you notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush, floss or eat certain foods? Bleeding gums is another common sign of gum infection, signalling that your gums may be irritated, red and swollen.

You should book an appointment with your dentist but in the meantime, don’t brush or floss too hard to avoid irritating the gums even more.

As damaged gums pull away from the teeth, bacteria can grow in the deep pockets and too much tartar can build up, causing pockets of pus. If the pus can’t drain, it forms an abscess.

You may also notice the abscess cause a throbbing pain in nearby teeth. If so, it may be helpful to take a painkiller such as paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen), however an emergency dental appointment is very necessary.

You’ll notice receding gums as the teeth and bone structure get more and more damaged.

This will lead to a greater risk of losing teeth. Accompanying this symptom, you may notice sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks due to the exposed tooth roots.

If your teeth become unexplainably wobbly and fall out, this could be a sign of gum infection or disease. Tooth loss also affects your remaining natural teeth by increasing the risk of them moving out of place. This type of tooth movement can have a major effect on your bite and jaw.

If you notice signs of gum infection, visit a trusted dentist at Parkview Dental Practicefor diagnosis and treatment. Give us a call on (07) 5443 9055 or book an appointment online.