An infection is when bacteria or viruses invade and grow inside a tissue. A dental gum infection can be caused by a number of things and that is why it is very important to see a dentist as soon as notice the problem.

          A dental gum infection causes inflamation. Inflamation is when the gums get swollen, red and bleed. The most common cause of gum inflamation is gingivitis. Gingivitis is when the infection is limited to the gums without spreading to the bone underneath. A special type of gum infection is called pericornitis. An upper wisdom tooth will sometimes chew the swollen gum tissue on top of a lower wisdom tooth. The tissues around the wisdom tooth get red and swollen and the patient often has difficulty opening the mouth.

          A periodontal abscess is when a dental gum infection forms a ball of pus in the gums. There is usually underlying bone damage and aggressive periodontal treatment is needed. A dental abscess due to a dead tooth can cause pus formation that swells up the gum tissues. The cause of this is from a tooth problem, not a gum problem.

          Trench mouth, or Acute Necrotizing Gingivitis, is when a dental gum infection causes the surface of the gums to fall off leaving the tender underlying gum tissue exposed.

          Regardless of the dental gum infection cause, it's important to get help early. All infections should be treated early before possibly getting out of hand and requiring extensive treatment. If you are interested in dental care and would like to find out what Dr. Padolsky can do for you, please scheduling a consultation by calling  404-874-7428.