My gum bleeds, hurts and is swollen all the time i.e brushing, eating. it also gives me bad breath. what condition is this and how can it be treated?

Periodonal Disease: It sounds as if you may be suffering from periodontal disease (gum disease). It is a treatable condition that if left alone, may lead to heart disease. If it is behind your second molar, it may be your wisdom teeth trying to erupt. Consult your dentist to find out what is causing the problem.

Periodontitis: Most likely you have a case of periodontal disease. You need to see a dentist asap as it will only get worse. In most cases a deep cleaning of your teeth and roots will alleviate this but depending on the severity you may require periodontal surgery. It can also have mouth breathing as a contributing factor which can be related to the inability to close your lips over your teeth.

Periodontal disease : Your gums sound like they are in need of a professional cleaning. There are other health issues that can contribute to this condition, but you need to seek help from a dentist. The problem will not go away on its own and may cause you to lose your teeth or worse if it is not gum disease.

Gingivitis or perio: It needs to be treated in office after a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Most likely non-surgical treatment.

Localized inflammati: Let us consider the simplest possibilities first: gum inflammation from lack of oral hygiene would be first on the list: if you feel you brush enough, are you doing it effectively? Flossing appropriately? At your age, localized swelling and bleeding are common with emerging wisdom teeth, called pericoronitis, it is entrapment of debris in gum pocket around the emerging teeth. Simple stuff first.

Many things: Generalized bleeding is most often the result of poor oral hygiene and some form of periodontal (gum) disease. You might have a localized infection. Multiple problems are also possible. See a dentist and you will know for sure what is going on, why, and what to do about it.

Periodontitis: It is quite possible that you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis is caused by a build up of plaque and calculus (tartar) around teeth and under the gumline. In periodontitis, the supporting structures of the teeth including the bone is compromised and reduced. In gingivitis, the bone levels show no evidence of destruction. Both conditions can be treated.

Gingivitis/ANUG/Peri: If gum bleeds and swells, for sure it is gingivitis. If the gum ulcerated with necrotized margin, that is anug (acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis). If supporting bone is lost, that is periodontitis. Treatment (tx) for gingivitis is good cleaning and home care; tx for anug is the same with antibiotic and follow up; tx of periodontitis is deep clean, home care, follow up, & possible surgery.

Treat the bacteria: Bacteria cause the infection and bad breath. Brushing and flossing are not enough. Consider the perio protect method (www.Perioprotect.Com) to find a doctor near you who can help. The ppm was shown to be better than deep cleaning (j clin dent 2012) and it killed 99.98% of the bacteria (j dent res 2007). Control the cause and you can control the disease/effects.