“What is the best way to deal with a gum infection?”

The best way to deal with a gum infection is to catch it early and have it treated by a dental professional. When a patient comes in with a gum infection, my main focus is getting it under control quickly to avoid further damage. Early treatment is key. If you notice swollen or bleeding gums, pain, or bad breath that won’t go away, that’s your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. In fact, nearly half of adults in the U.S. over 30 have some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so it’s more common than many think.

At our clinic, we usually start with a deep cleaning to remove the plaque and bacteria causing the infection. If the infection is more advanced, we might need to perform a more thorough cleaning below the gumline or use antibiotics. At home, I always encourage patients to brush and floss gently but consistently, and to use a good mouth rinse. Regular checkups make a huge difference, too. Catching these issues early can help avoid more pain later on.

The best way to deal with a gum infection is to maintain good oral hygiene and seek professional treatment. Brush and floss daily, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and rinse with warm salt water. Visit a dentist for deep cleaning or antibiotics if needed. In severe cases, procedures like scaling and root planing may be required.