GUM INFECTIONS

I have had very severe pain, ulcers and bleeding gums for the past 3 days. My whole mouth is sore and I cannot eat properly. My spouse tells me that I have bad breath. What could I be suffering from?

The condition you described is termed Acute Necrotising Gingivitis. You will need to see a dentist for gum treatment or, if necessary, be referred to a gum specialist.

Acute Necrotising Gingivitis


Acute Necrotising Gingivitis

Features

• Ulcers on tips of gum between teeth and along gum line
• Bleeding gums
• Sudden onset of pain
• Foul odour
• Increased salivation
• Metallic taste
• Repeated infections lead to bone loss or periodontitis which causes: enlarged gums margins, triangular gaps between teeth and gum recession (i.e. teeth appear longer)

Causes

• Bacterial Infection

Factors which increase your risk

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes)
• Stress

Management

• Proper brushing of teeth
• Using a mouth rinse
• Professional cleaning of gum areas
• Antibiotics
• Oxidizing antiseptics
• Gum surgery

Flossing - a necessary ritual

I have had pain and swollen gums near my tooth for the past few months. It lasts for a few days and then disappears. Why is this so?

What you have is gum abscess, commonly referred to as "gum boil". Most gum diseases are without symptoms. Apart from Acute Necrotising Gingivitis (as mentioned above), Acute Periodontal Abscess also features pain prominently.