Antibiotics For Gum Infections Can Save Your Life

By Rai Micht

Never underestimate the dangers of an untreated gum disease. The dangers include, having heart disease to premature births and from diabetes to osteoporosis, making the consequent health complexities of neglecting gum disease treatment could be broad. However, how can you be at risk of heart disease by having gum infections?

Because of the overgrowth of bacteria inside the mouth, gum infection occur which inflames the gums around the teeth, and can even reach to the root of the tooth and deeper into bone. Fortunately, this potentially serious infection can be prevented through regular dental care. If by chance you are searching for a treatment for gum disease or periodontitis, then there are several antibiotics for gum infections your dentist or periodontitis can prescribe you to help kill the bacteria causing the problem.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), in the case of gum disease, bacteria break down the tissues around the tooth. This empty space becomes a crevice where periodontal bacteria can grow and flourish. The gums then become inflamed and bleed in an effort to fight off the infection.

Yet, as the infection produces more swelling and the space between the gum and teeth widens, the periodontal bacteria has an opportunity to enter into the bloodstream as the gums bleed. These bacteria can then cause inflammation in the blood stream and arteries and blood clots, some of the telltale markers of heart disease.

It is considered a last resort to use antibiotics for gum infections. Antibiotics can become ineffective against bacteria very quickly. Once the medication isn't taken as prescribed or is stopped early, it could be harder to treat the infection because the bacteria then become more difficult to control and eliminate.

Antibiotics for gum infections are most often only given if you have a rare and aggressive form of gum disease called Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG) or if you haven't responded well to other treatments. Antibiotics for gum infections may also be prescribed if you have a weakened immune system or another serious health condition.

Once your dentist recommends you an antibiotic, you could take a pill or otherwise your dentist could pack pockets of gum infection with gel, powder, or small pill-like dissolving chips of antibiotics. These are usually left in place for 7-10 days, and whereas the remaining residue is removed. Antibiotics for gum infections are used simultaneously with scraping and planning (a procedure of removing hard tartar buildup from the tooth and gum line).

Anyone who has diabetes and gum infections, know that the bacteria could enter your bloodstream through brushing, flossing or when the gum bleed. It is known that the bacteria combine with the blood, enabling it hard to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. Additionally, women who have gum infections could encourage and stimulate premature labor during pregnancy.

Since the bacteria present in gum infections is not just localized to an inflamed gum, it is important for all individuals, particularly high risk groups like pregnant women, those with diabetes and those who are at risk for heart disease to treat gum disease promptly and to maintain regular dental appointments in order to prevent further health complications. Ask you dentist about antibiotics for gum infections to help you handle and prevent the dangers that go with having gum disease. - 29879

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