Gum infection is often mistaken for dental infection. In fact, dental infection is caused by an infection inside the tooth, near the tooth root, while a gum infection is located on the gum itself, causing visible, painful inflammation. While dental infection is often triggered by bacteria infestation in tooth root, gum infection is commonly caused by the accumulation of plaque built under the gum line.

How to treat gum infection at home

Dental infection needs close medical attention, since the problem does not only affect the tooth and it root, but may also influence the nerve system and thus, in severely bad cases, can be life-threatening. However, gum infection, although may also be serious, can be self-treated at home with proper treatments and remedies. To treat gum infection at home:

• Rinse your mouth to alleviate the pain

Gum infection is painful and may trigger tingling and throbbing sensation on the gum. To relieve this pain, rinse the mouth with saline solution made from a mixture of warm water and salt. You can also use herbal mouthwash and 3-percent hydrogen peroxide to rinse the mouth. While rinsing, pass on the inflamed gum and gargle the solution for several minutes to help kill the bacteria.

• Make sure there is no food leftover on your teeth and the gum line

Leftover foods may harden and develop into plaque around the teeth and the gum lines. If this plaque is accumulated and hardens, it causes irritation to the gum where it sits on. As a result, this area swells and pus-filled abscess may form which will require dental abscess treatment. Therefore, always make sure you brush your teeth properly and thoroughly after meals so that there is no food left there. When brushing the already-inflamed gum, it is important to do it gently using soft-bristled toothbrush, so that it will not irritate the affected gum further.

• Prevent the infection from getting worse by avoiding sugary foods and drinks

Sugary foods and drinks will increase your tartar buildup, which may contribute to plaque formation. Hence, if you are suffering from a gum infection, it is important to stop consuming sugary foods as it may aggravate the infection site. Instead, replace these sugary drinks such as soda with a glass of warm peppermint tea. Peppermint is beneficial for bacteria killing and the warmth of the tea will alleviate the caused pain.

• Improve red and inflamed gum with aloe vera

Aloe vera can be easily found and is affordable. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent that help brings down an inflammation. In addition, aloe vera that is massaged over an infected gum will give a soothing effect that reduces caused pain.

• Reduce pain and inflammation using warm compresses

Warm compresses also have a significant role in improving gum infection. Apply the compress on the infected gum and leave it for some minutes until the pain subsides and the inflamed gum becomes more tenderized. Warm compresses will promote blood circulation to the infection site and thus, improve its condition.

• Prevent the infection from getting worse by not draining the discharge

In most cases, you are going to see pus-like discharge under an infected gum and may be tempted to drain it. This will not eliminate the problem and instead, may aggravate the infected gum, making the inflammation worse. Bring down the inflammation by putting warm compresses on it, instead of attempting on draining the discharge from beneath the gum.

• Getting rid of formed ulcers on gum by applying clover oil

Clover oil is a good antibacterial, which also possesses antibacterial and pain killing characteristics. Thus, if you are developing ulcers on gum as a result of the infection, applying the oil can really help. Dab this oil onto the ulcers and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat the treatment several times a day or whenever the pain comes.

• Rinse the mouth with saline water after every meal

Food leftovers can possibly make the infection worse. In order to avoid this, it is essential to rinse the teeth and gum with saline water after eating. This will get rid of food leftovers and bacteria from the mouth and thus, prevent the infection from getting worse.