Gum Infection Treatment
About
Gum Infection Treatment at Mickleham Dental
At Mickleham Dental, we’re committed to helping you maintain healthy gums and a strong foundation for your teeth. Our team provides thorough diagnosis and effective treatment for gum infections to stop the progression of disease and protect your long-term oral health.
What Is a Gum Infection?
A gum infection – commonly referred to as gum disease or periodontitis – is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissues and supporting structures of your teeth. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation, bleeding, gum recession, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
The good news? Gum disease is usually preventable and manageable, especially when caught early and paired with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Signs You May Have a Gum Infection
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible:
- Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Pain while chewing
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- New gaps forming between your teeth
Early treatment can help stop the damage and restore your gum health.
Protect Your Smile with Professional Gum Care
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort call our caring team today to book your consultation.
What Causes Gum Infections?
The most common cause is a build-up of plaque -a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar and triggers an inflammatory response in the gums.
Other contributing factors include:
- Infrequent brushing or flossing
- Skipping routine dental check-ups
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Certain medications or medical conditions
- Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, menopause)
- Dry mouth
- Genetic predisposition
How Are Gum Infections Treated?
Gum Infection Symptoms: What to Look For
A gum infection rarely announces itself all at once. Early signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, redness or puffiness along the gumline, persistent bad breath, and a bad taste that doesn’t go away. As infection progresses, you may notice gums pulling away from the teeth, tenderness when chewing, visible pus near the gumline, or a tooth that suddenly feels loose. Swelling in the face or jaw, fever, or throbbing pain suggest the infection is spreading and needs prompt attention.
How Dentists Treat Gum Infections
Treatment depends on how far the infection has progressed. For early-stage gingivitis, a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, combined with improved home care, is usually enough for gums to recover. Established periodontal infection may require deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) over one or more visits, and localised antibiotic treatment where indicated. Where infection has formed an abscess, the priority is draining the infection and treating its source — which may involve root canal treatment or, where a tooth can’t be saved, extraction. Because we use CBCT 3D imaging in-house, we can see the full extent of infection around roots and bone before recommending treatment.
When a Gum Infection Is an Emergency
Seek same-day care if you have facial or jaw swelling, fever alongside gum pain, difficulty swallowing, or severe throbbing pain that keeps you awake. Dental infections can spread beyond the mouth, and swelling that affects breathing or swallowing warrants an immediate hospital emergency department visit. For everything short of that, our emergency appointments are designed for exactly this situation — including Saturdays by appointment. Antibiotics alone don’t cure a dental infection; they buy time until the source is treated, so don’t consider the problem solved when a course of antibiotics ends.
The first step is a professional assessment by one of our experienced dentists. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may involve:
Thorough Assessments
We begin with a comprehensive check of your gums and teeth using advanced tools to determine the extent of gum disease.
Tailored Treatments
Depending on your needs, treatment may include a professional clean, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), or antibacterial therapies. We’ll also guide you on the best at-home oral care practices.
Prevention-Focused
Our team emphasises prevention with practical advice on brushing, flossing, diet, and lifestyle to help protect your gums long-term.
Ongoing Support
Regular check-ups and cleans are key to keeping gum disease under control. We’ll support you with ongoing care and monitoring.
Gentle, Friendly Care
We create a calm, welcoming space where your comfort is our priority. Our team is here to make your visit as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
For advanced cases, a referral to a specialist may be needed for more intensive periodontal treatment.
Don’t Delay Gum Infection Treatment
If you’re noticing symptoms or just overdue for a check-up, don’t wait.
Early action is key to preserving your gums and preventing tooth loss.
Gum Infection Symptoms: What to Look For
A gum infection rarely announces itself all at once. Early signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, redness or puffiness along the gumline, persistent bad breath, and a bad taste that doesn’t go away. As infection progresses, you may notice gums pulling away from the teeth, tenderness when chewing, visible pus near the gumline, or a tooth that suddenly feels loose. Swelling in the face or jaw, fever, or throbbing pain suggest the infection is spreading and needs prompt attention.
How Dentists Treat Gum Infections
Treatment depends on how far the infection has progressed. For early-stage gingivitis, a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, combined with improved home care, is usually enough for gums to recover. Established periodontal infection may require deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) over one or more visits, and localised antibiotic treatment where indicated. Where infection has formed an abscess, the priority is draining the infection and treating its source — which may involve root canal treatment or, where a tooth can’t be saved, extraction. Because we use CBCT 3D imaging in-house, we can see the full extent of infection around roots and bone before recommending treatment.
When a Gum Infection Is an Emergency
Seek same-day care if you have facial or jaw swelling, fever alongside gum pain, difficulty swallowing, or severe throbbing pain that keeps you awake. Dental infections can spread beyond the mouth, and swelling that affects breathing or swallowing warrants an immediate hospital emergency department visit. For everything short of that, our emergency appointments are designed for exactly this situation — including Saturdays by appointment. Antibiotics alone don’t cure a dental infection; they buy time until the source is treated, so don’t consider the problem solved when a course of antibiotics ends.