Question: What is a gum infection and how is it treated?
Explanation: Gum infection encompasses gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal abscess, and necrotising gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible inflammation confined to the gum. Periodontitis involves irreversible destruction of the bone and attachment. A periodontal abscess is an acute pus collection within a pocket. Necrotising gingivitis causes ulcerated, painful, bleeding gums with a distinctive odour, often in smokers or those under stress. Treatment centres on mechanical plaque and calculus removal. Antibiotics play a limited role, reserved for necrotising disease and spreading infection.
Related Questions:
Is gingivitis reversible?
Yes, completely. Gingivitis is inflammation without attachment loss. Removing plaque and calculus and maintaining good daily cleaning restores the gums to health within one to two weeks. Once bone is lost and periodontitis is established, that loss is permanent, though further progression can be halted.
Do antibiotics cure gum disease?
No. Periodontal disease is caused by a biofilm attached to the tooth surface, which antibiotics cannot penetrate effectively. Mechanical disruption of that biofilm is essential. Adjunctive antibiotics have a limited role in aggressive or necrotising disease, always alongside thorough debridement.
What is necrotising gingivitis?
A painful, rapidly progressing infection producing ulcerated, punched-out gum papillae, spontaneous bleeding, and a characteristic foul odour. It is associated with smoking, stress, poor hygiene, and immunosuppression. Treatment involves gentle debridement, metronidazole, and addressing the predisposing factors.
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