When your gums feel sore, look too red, or bleed when you brush, it is easy to think it is just a small problem. But your gums are the foundation of your whole smile. If they aren't healthy, your teeth aren't safe. A gum infection is actually very common, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it.

If you have noticed your gums acting up, you might wonder what kind of help you need. Do you just need to brush better, or is it time to see a professional? At Family Dental of Georgetown, we help people with gum health every day. As your local dentist in Georgetown, MA, we want you to know that gum infections can be fixed, especially if we catch them early.

Here is a look at the treatments that actually work to clear up infections and keep your mouth healthy.

What Does a Gum Infection Look Like?

Most people don't realize they have an infection until it has moved past the early stages. You should look out for:

• Bleeding: If you see pink in the sink when you spit after brushing or flossing.
• Swelling: Gums that look puffy or feel "fat" around your teeth.
• Bad Breath: A bad taste or smell that won't go away even after using mouthwash.
• Receding Gums: If your teeth start to look "longer" because the gums are pulling back.
• Loose Teeth: In bad cases, the infection eats away at the bone, making teeth feel wiggly.

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to visit Family Dental of Georgetown. Having an expert dentist in Georgetown, MA, check your gums is the only way to know how deep the problem goes.

Treatments That Work

Depending on how far the infection has gone, there are a few ways we can treat it. The goal is always to get rid of the germs and help the gums fit tightly against the teeth again.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

This is the most common fix for gum disease. It is much more thorough than a regular cleaning. We remove all the hard buildup from above and below the gum line. We also smooth out the roots of your teeth so it is harder for germs to stick there in the future.

Antibiotics

Sometimes, cleaning isn't enough to kill all the germs. Your dentist in Georgetown, MA, might give you a special mouthwash or put small "chips" of medicine directly into the spaces in your gums. These melt over time and kill the infection right where it starts.

Laser Treatment

At Family Dental of Georgetown, we use modern tools like lasers. Laser therapy is a gentle way to get rid of infected tissue without needing a scalpel or stitches. It is very precise and usually means you heal much faster.

Surgery

In very bad cases where the infection has reached deep into the bone, surgery might be needed to clean the area or fix the bone and tissue. While this sounds a bit scary, it is a normal way to save teeth that might otherwise fall out.

Why You Shouldn't Wait

A gum infection isn't just a mouth problem. Research shows that the germs in your gums can travel through your blood to other parts of your body. This has been linked to heart problems and other health issues.

When you see a dentist in Georgetown, MA, for a gum problem, you are looking out for your whole body. At Family Dental of Georgetown, we care about your total health because we know everything is connected.

Taking Care of Your Gums at Home

Professional help is needed to stop an infection, but your habits at home keep it from coming back.

Brush Gently

Brushing too hard can actually hurt your gums. Use a soft brush and move in gentle circles. Make sure to brush where the tooth meets the gum.

You Have to Floss

If you don't floss, you are leaving over a third of your tooth surfaces dirty. That is where most infections start. If regular floss is hard to use, try a water flosser or small interdental brushes.

Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash

A good mouthwash can help kill germs in spots your brush might miss. Look for one that is made to fight gum disease.

The Family Dental of Georgetown Difference

We know many people feel nervous about the dentist, especially if they think they have an infection. There is no judgment here. We just want to get you healthy and help you feel good about your smile again.

As your dentist in Georgetown, MA, we explain your choices clearly. We don't use confusing medical talk; we just talk to you like a neighbor. Whether you need a simple cleaning or something more, you are in good hands.

Ready to Get Your Gums Healthy?

Don't wait until your teeth feel loose or you are in pain. If your gums are bleeding or sore, your body is trying to tell you something is wrong.

If you need an experienced dentist in Georgetown, MA, to help you, give us a call at Family Dental of Georgetown. We would love to meet you, take a look, and come up with a plan that works for you.

Call Family Dental of Georgetown today at (978) 352-8421 to schedule your dental consultation with Dr. Ruchieka Vij and Dr. Hitesh Vij. You may also email us at dentist@familydentalofgeorgetown.com if you have any questions.

We proudly serve families across Rowley, Andover, Ipswich, Lawrence, Haverhill, Newburyport, Groveland, Georgetown, North Andover, and Bradford.

A healthy smile builds confidence and comfort, and you deserve care that lasts a lifetime.