Gum disease causes unhealthy teeth that may lead to a loss of teeth if treatment is not begun immediately. Gum disease can range from gingivitis to periodontal disease. Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. Gingivitis is a gum disease in which inflammation of the gums occurs due to bacterial infection. Persistent bad breath is a common symptom of this gum disease. When inflammation caused due to gingivitis spreads to the connective tissue and bone, it causes periodontal disease. Symptoms associated with periodontal disease include bleeding gums, gum pain, receding gums, and sensitivity to temperature change. Severe cases of periodontal disease usually cause serious gum pain.

 

Gum pain is usually not associated with gingivitis. It is only when gingivitis is not cured and it takes the form of periodontal disease that gum pain shows up. Swelling and gum pain in the periodontal disease may lead to bleeding gums. Early cure of gum disease through timely medical attention is better to avoid the loss of teeth later.

 

Remember that nonsurgical and surgical methods are available to cure gum disease including gingivitis and periodontal disease but prevention and early treatment is always advisable. Brushing and flossing techniques are helpful to cure bad breath and mouth and tooth problems. Avoiding smoking and aerated drinks can be good preventive measures. Treatment of gum disease may not be as painful as is often presumed.

 

The treatment of periodontal disease is complex in nature. The dentist removes the tartar and plaque that may have invaded below the gum line. To avoid gum pain during treatment, local anesthetic may be used. An antibiotic may be used to prevent infection. The dentist may use flap surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease if the infection is deeper. In more severe cases where tissue damage has occurred, a grafting procedure to cure periodontal disease can use one part of the gum tissue to replace the affected tissue. Patients may experience relief from gum pain after several hours of treatment.

 

Dental care is important even after treatment to prevent further infection. Patients of gum disease need to visit the dentist frequently for prevention and reducing the risk of recurrent inflammation. Laser surgery for the treatment of gum disease can cure the disease with lesser gum pain. Whatever the cause of gum disease, steps can be taken to minimize the gum pain during treatment. Painkillers may be used for the treatment of gum pain caused due to gum disease, but self-medication should be avoided.