With proper hygiene and a healthy immune system, the microorganisms present in the mouth will be harmless. If the immune system is not healthy, the ability to resist illness is compromised. Sometimes, drugs and disease reduce a person's immunity, and sometimes the microorganism itself may be particularly virulent or toxic.

Infection related to the gums, the teeth, or any other part of the mouth is accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain. When an abscess is present, there is a localized collection of pus. (See Abscess in Part Two.) If the infection spreads to surrounding tissues, it is called cellulitis. Bacteria can sometimes be found in normally sterile blood (bacteremia), or the infection can become systemic, disseminating organisms throughout the blood stream (septicemia).

Conventional Treatment
A dentist first determines the cause of the infection and then administers appropriate treatment, which may involve pulling an infected tooth, draining a gum abscess and cleaning the gums thoroughly, or performing root canal treatment. Antibiotics are given for bacterial infection, and drugs are prescribed for pain. Hospitalization may be required for severe infections that have spread.

Nutritional Supplements

Supplement	Directions for Use	Comments
Coenzyme Q-10	Take 60 mg daily.	By improving circulation, it improves transport of oxygen to gum tissues, which is important in the healing process.
Garlic	Take two 250-mg tablets 3 times daily.	Natural antibiotic; protects against infection.
Selenium	Take 100 mg daily.	As an antioxidant, it helps protect the body from infections.
Vitamin C	Take 1500 mg daily.	Speeds up healing and is an antioxidant.
Vitamin E	Take 400 IU daily.	An antioxidant that aids oxygen uptake by cells and enhances antibody production.

Homeopathic Treatment

Dissolve the tablets under your tongue. Do not eat or drink for fifteen minutes prior to or after taking medication.

Preparation	Directions for Use	Comments
Belladonna 30x	Take 1 tablet hourly as needed.	Indicated for relief of fever and pain.
Hepar sulphuris 6x	Take 1 tablet 3 times a day.	To speed healing when infection is accompanied by pus.
Mercurius cyanatus 3x	Take 1 tablet 3 times a day.	Helps relieve pain and swelling of salavary glands.