Best remedy for gum infection
The remedy for a gum infection depends on whether plaque, trapped debris, a periodontal pocket, or an infected tooth is causing it.
The short answer
Gum infection treatment depends on the source, which may be inflamed gum tissue, a periodontal pocket, or an abscessed tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and interdental cleaning, and arrange an examination so the dentist can remove the cause and drain or treat infection when needed.
What can you do next?
Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, or rapidly worsening pain.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask whether the infection starts in the gum or tooth, whether cleaning or drainage is needed, and how to prevent recurrence.
What should you ask the dentist?
Gingivitis affects the gum edge, while periodontitis involves deeper tissues that support the tooth; a tooth abscess may drain through the gum.
Frequently asked questions
Can salt water cure a gum infection?
A warm salt-water rinse may soothe irritated tissue, but it does not remove calculus, close a periodontal pocket, or treat an infected tooth.
Are antibiotics always needed?
Antibiotics are reserved for situations where a dentist identifies a need; they do not replace removal of plaque, calculus, or the dental source.