Tooth Pain – Chapter 3 ( Gum infection)

by Denticare
Updated: 09 December, 2022
Tooth Ache

Teeth are one of the important organ of the human body . Its a tool that help us to chew and digest food . Teeth are supported by jaw bone , and the jaw bone protected by gum tissue . Weak gums will pass the infection to the bone which lead to loss of teeth . But we can easily identify gum disease , early treatment can avoid tooth loss. healthy gums are usually pink or pink with brown Melanin pigmentation. Gum pain is usually experienced as very dull aching pain and does not give you sleepless nights.

Gum infection Early stage : (Gingivitis )

Early stage of gum infection can be termed as Gingivitis .Germs in our mouth will form a sticky layer called dental plaque. If the plaque is not cleaned properly everyday it can lead to inflammation the gums.Brushing twice a day will remove plaque effectively.

How to Identify Gingivitis

Bleeding Gums while brushing or eating tough fruits
Glossy & Reddish Gums
Swollen gums

What causes Gingivitis / gum pain

persistent food Impaction between teeth
Untreated tooth cavity
Tartar deposit
Vitamin Deficiency
Hormonal Changes

Note : Hormonal elevation during pregnancy and puberty times  can cause gum swelling and bleeding . apart from this,  there are some systemic disease like diabetes , Systemic lupus erythematosus   can cause gum diseases which we will be discussed later in this series.

Treatment of Gingivitis

Treatment will be based on the cause . Dental scaling or cleaning will remove the tartar , which will reduce the gum inflammation .
Tooth fillings
Balanced diet

Gum infection Advanced (Periodontitis)

Advanced stage gum infection can be termed as periodontists treatment for early and advances , images , tartar deposit , gingivitis , periodontitis , treatment chart for periodontitis and gingivitis ,

Gum infection or inflammation usually due to irritation from tartar deposited in the tooth . But symptoms of gum pain, swelling and gum bleeding can be due many other general medical issues as well

Common signs of gum infection ( advanced)

loose teeth/ Mobile teeth
pus discharge from gums
exposed teeth roots
Bad breath
Sensitive teeth
Gaps between teeth

What Causes Periodontitis

un treated gingivitis will cause gums to become loose ,so it can not protect the underlying bone from infection .
When the infection reaches the bone , it will slowly resorb away
Genetic predisposition : If your mother or father lost their teeth early in their life , extra care required to protect yourself from periodontitis , because periodontitis have some gene

Treatment

Flap Surgery : Gum tissue is fully opened surgically and the infected tissue and deposits debrided.
Sustained release antibiotic medicine can be packed inside gums which will counteract the bone level infection.
LANAP : (Laser assisted new attachment procedure ). Laser procedure is less invasive compare to flap surgery.

Gum pain and bleeding are the early signs of gum disease . Treatment at early stage will help you to arrest the progression of the gum infection and you can keep the teeth till your older age.At Denticare Chennai we have saved many our patients teeth with LANAP procedure . To know more please call us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, gum infection can cause pain in teeth. When the gums become inflamed due to bacterial buildup, the infection irritates surrounding tissues and may expose tooth roots. This often creates a dull ache or sharp pain, especially while chewing or brushing. Advanced gum infection (periodontitis) can also weaken the supporting bone, making teeth feel loose and more sensitive. Early symptoms like redness, swelling, or bleeding gums shouldn’t be ignored, as timely treatment prevents pain from worsening.

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple way to manage toothache pain temporarily until you see a dentist. It suggests taking 3 ibuprofen tablets (usually 200 mg each) every 3 hours for up to 3 days. This helps control pain and swelling, especially when toothache is linked to infection or gum inflammation. However, it’s only a short-term fix. Persistent pain signals an underlying issue like decay, abscess, or gum disease, which requires professional dental treatment to resolve.

Treating a painful gum infection starts with professional dental care, where plaque and tartar are removed through scaling and cleaning. Antibiotics may be prescribed for severe infections to control bacterial spread. At home, warm saltwater rinses and proper brushing help ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Pain relievers may also provide relief. Left untreated, gum infections can advance to periodontitis, damaging teeth and bone. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are crucial to stop infection and prevent recurrence.