Periodontitis, which is another term for gum disease, is considered to be a serious form of gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports your teeth if not treated.1 If you think you might have this type of gum infection, talk to your dentist immediately for treatment options. With periodontitis, your chances of reversing damage are better if you seek care immediately.1 Another oral infection that can affect the gums is an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is an infection that can be caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth.3 When bacteria enters the pulp (the soft tissue within a tooth), if it’s not treated it can build up and cause a pus-filled pocket at the root tip of the tooth called an abscess.3 Symptoms of an abscess can include pain, swelling, bad taste in mouth, redness in gums or fever.3