Tartar promotes gum infections wherein it permits bacterial growth around the gum lines and teeth. You may detect foul-smelling from the mouth and produce bacterial toxins that destroys the tissues in the mouth little by little. In gum infections you will also notice a lump behind the tooth or gums which could be a sign of pyorrhea (a collection of pus). This may start as a painless swelling but as the gum infection progresses; it invades nerve endings and blood vessels supplying the tooth that causes moderate to severe pain. This may be treated with pain killers. But the best remedy for gums infections should be antibiotic therapy combined with good oral and professional care.