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How to Treat Gum Pain Medically Reviewed by on February 09, 2023 Many things can cause your gums to hurt, but not all of them require a trip to the dentist. Sore gums can be a sign that you brush your teeth too hard. Other times, braces or dentures can irritate your gums.

Hormone changes related to your period, pregnancy, or menopause can also led to swollen,painful gums. Gum pain can be a sign of a more serious problem like gum disease. Sometimes, things you can do at home can give you relief from sore gums. It can also help you know whether you need help from your dentist or other health care professional.

Try these simple home remedies for achy gums:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Use only with soft or extra-soft bristles. Use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as acetaminophen as the label directs.

Other OTC products to treat sore gums include:

Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide Gels that you apply directly to the sore gums

If your gums hurt and you have a white coating on your tongue or cheeks, you could have an infection called thrush. It’s a type of yeast infection. Eating yogurt with live cultures can help. But see a doctor or dentist if it doesn’t clear up. There are many reasons why your gum or gums might hurt.

• But sometimes, gum problems don’t cause pain right away.
• The possible reasons range from very minor to very serious.
• They include: Gum disease.
• The first signs of gum disease (also called periodontitis) are bleeding, swelling, and redness.
• They usually happen when you don’t brush or floss your well or often enough.

You might not feel pain during the early stage, called gingivitis. If you don’t do a better job brushing and flossing, your gum disease could get worse. Over time, your gums might start to pull away from your teeth, creating little pockets. Tiny pieces of food can get stuck in them, causing infection.

• This can cause the teeth to loosen or the bone holding them in place to break down, which leads to tooth loss.
• You may or may not feel any pain at this point.
• Canker sores.
• These can appear anywhere in your mouth, including your gums.
• They’re not contagious.
• They usually show up as red splotches in your mouth, but they can have a white coating, too.

Canker sores tend to go away on their own within a week or two. To ease pain in the meantime, avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods. You can also use the home remedies above or try an over-the-counter treatment like a numbing gel or coating agent. If your canker sore is larger than a half-inch, doesn’t heal after a couple of weeks, or interferes with eating and drinking, see your doctor or dentist.

1. Tobacco, If you smoke or use “smokeless” products like chewing tobacco, dip, or snuff, you’re more likely to have gum disease.
2. Because smokeless tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum, it can cause more harm to your mouth than cigarettes.
3. Your gums can pull away from your teeth, and sores could form inside your mouth and on your gums.

It could also lead to, Hormonal changes. Hormones can affect your gums at different times in your life. During puberty, more blood flows to your gums, and they may feel swollen, tender, or painful. You may notice pain during your menstrual periods. When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels surge and can affect your gums.

Talk to your doctor if you notice that your gums bleed or hurt. Once you hit menopause, your hormone levels shift again. Your gums could bleed, change colors, burn, or hurt. Abscessed tooth, When you have an infection by the root of your tooth, it forms a pus pocket, or abscess. These don’t always hurt, but many do.

Some abscessed teeth also cause the gums to swell. If your gums hurt or are swollen, see your dentist. You may need a root canal to treat an abscessed tooth. Oral cancer, This can start on your tongue, inner cheek, tonsils, or gums. You or your dentist may see the cancer, because it looks like a sore in your mouth that just won’t heal.

It might not be painful at first. But keep an eye on it – and any sores in your mouth or on your gums. Head to the dentist if they don’t heal in a couple of weeks. If your gums hurt or bleed for more than a week, see your dentist so they can check you for signs of gum disease. If not treated, periodontitis can cause painful abscesses and lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease has also been linked to, so it’s very important to take care of your mouth. See your dentist if you have ongoing gum pain or any of these symptoms:

Bleeding gums Red, swollen gums Gums that pull back from your teeth Dentures that don’t fit right anymore Pain when you chew Loose teeth Sensitivity to hot or cold

To, brush, floss, and get your teeth cleaned regularly. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. © 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : How to Treat Gum Pain

Why are my gums sensitive all of a sudden?

Dentist-prescribed treatments – See a dentist if soreness or sensitivity doesn’t improve or worsens despite changing your habits. This could be a sign of an infection or gum disease. If you have early or advanced gum disease, you’ll need a deep-cleaning dental procedure to remove plaque and tartar and reverse sensitivity.

Sometimes, sensitivity or bleeding is a sign of an autoimmune disease, leukemia, or a blood disorder. You’ll need additional testing if your doctor suspects an underlying medical condition. This may include blood tests and imaging tests to check for widespread inflammation or the possibility of cancerous cells.

Until you receive a diagnosis, your dentist may offer triamcinolone (Kenalog). This is a prescription-strength, oral anti-inflammatory medication. When dentures or braces cause gum pain, your dentist may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter anesthetics containing topical benzocaine.

AnbesolOrajelChlorasepticXylocaine

Your dentist can also prescribe an oral antifungal medication or an oral antibiotic if you have thrush or an infection that affects the gums. Soreness or sensitivity is treatable and reversible, but you must identify the problem and see a dentist, if necessary.

Can stress cause sore gums?

1. Stress increases your risk of gingivitis and gum disease. – Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is caused by bacteria that build up along your gum line. And when you’re stressed, you release a hormone called cortisol, which can deplete your immune system and allow bacteria to thrive.

What is the medicine for gum pain?

7. Over-the-counter pain medication – Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease dental and oral discomfort. A person may see the best results when they combine over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers with home remedies, such as gargling with a salt water solution.

persistent painsevere painswellinga fever

The presence of any of these can suggest that a person has gum disease or another condition, such as oral thrush, that requires professional treatment. When an infection is causing gum pain, receiving treatment for the infection will usually relieve the pain.

Mild-to-moderate gum pain is often not a cause for immediate concern. In these cases, a person can relieve the gum pain by taking steps at home, such as by using hot or cold compresses and taking OTC pain relievers. However, if the gum pain is long lasting or severe, or if there are additional symptoms, a person should see their dentist.

There are several common gum diseases and infections, and if any of these are responsible for the pain, receiving treatment for them should bring relief.

What infection causes gum pain?

The gums are soft, fleshy tissue that support and protect the teeth. Gum pain can be a sign of irritation, infection, or injury to the gums and teeth. Gum pain can often be a temporary symptom, but other times a person may require dental treatment to prevent further health complications.

Canker sores : These are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the gums. Causes of canker sores can include emotional stress, mouth injuries, an impaired immune system, or other underlying health conditions. Cuts or injuries : Food and objects that enter the mouth can sometimes cause minor cuts or injuries to the gums and teeth. A person may also accidentally bite down on the gums, which can sometimes cause pain and bleeding. Gum disease : Also known as gingivitis, this condition occurs when bacteria build up under the gums and cause inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis and lead to loose teeth. People who smoke are at a higher risk for gum disease than nonsmokers. Hormonal changes : Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause a person to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums. Improper flossing or brushing techniques : Brushing or flossing too vigorously or frequently can sometimes cause the gums to bleed and be painful. Sinusitis : A bacterial or viral infection in the sinuses can cause swelling of the sinus cavity. Some people with sinusitis also experience gum pain and toothache. Tooth abscess : A bacterial infection in the root of a tooth can cause an abscess or pus-filled sac. Tooth abscesses can lead to gum swelling and pain. They can also be serious and spread to other parts of the body, so it is essential to see a dentist quickly.

Treatment for gum pain depends upon the underlying cause. For people with gum disease, for example, a dentist may recommend professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gums. They may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing alcohol or chlorhexidine, to kill excess bacteria and prevent the future build up of plaque.

1. If a person has severe gum disease, a dentist may recommend surgery to repair bone or gum loss that the condition has caused.
2. Sometimes, this can include bone and tissue grafting to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
3. People with tooth abscesses may require root canal treatment.
4. During this procedure, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, and the abscess from the root and then repair and seal the damaged tooth.

Gum pain due to sinusitis usually lessens once the infection clears up. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, People with gum pain that they cannot explain should see their dentist for a checkup. However, some simple home remedies may help relieve the discomfort.

Gargling salt water, A person can prepare a gargle by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Clove oil, Applying clove oil to gums can reduce pain and swelling. Pain medication, Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce gum pain. Brushing carefully, Brush sore, swollen, or bleeding areas of the gums gently.

Avoiding foods that can irritate or scratch the gums may also help while they are healing. Examples include:

acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoessharp or scratchy foods, such as chips, nuts, or pretzelsspicy foods, such as those containing chilis or other hot peppers

For people with canker sores, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, such as iron and vitamin B-12, may help reduce gum pain. Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum pain and other dental issues. This includes:

brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutesflossing once dailyusing a dental mouthwash dailyhaving regular checkups with a dentist, such as every 6 months

If a person stops smoking, this can also improve gum health. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, which may impair healing and lead to discomfort. It is advisable for people with severe, persistent, or recurring gum pain to see a dentist for a checkup.

bad breath that does not improve with tooth brushingbleeding gumsgums that are recedingloose teethpain when chewingred gumssensitive teeth

There are many possible causes of gum pain, including gum disease, infections, abscesses, and ulcers. People with gum pain they cannot explain may wish to consider seeing a dentist for a checkup. Without treatment, some causes of gum pain can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.

Can sore gums be hormonal?

What are causes and symptoms of hormonal changes that may affect oral health in women? – There are five stages in a women’s life during which changes in hormone levels make them more susceptible to oral health problems – puberty, the monthly menstruation cycle, when using oral contraceptives, during pregnancy, and at menopause,

Puberty : The surge in production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone that occurs during puberty can increase the blood flow to the gums and change the way gum tissue reacts to bacterial plaque. This causes the gum tissue to become red, tender, and swollen, and more likely to bleed during brushing and flossing.

The monthly menstruation cycle : Due to the hormonal changes (particularly the increase in progesterone) that occur during the menstrual cycle, some women experience oral changes that can include bright red swollen gums, swollen salivary glands, development of canker sores, or bleeding gums.

• Menstruation gingivitis usually occurs a day or two before the start of the period and clears up shortly after the period has started.
• Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) : Women who take certain oral contraceptives that contain progesterone might experience inflamed gum tissues due to the body’s exaggerated reaction to the toxins produced from plaque.

The most profound changes in the gums are seen in the first few months after starting the birth control pills. Newer birth control pills, however, have lower concentrations of the hormones, which lessens the inflammatory response of the gums to dental plaque.

There is another reason for telling your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives. Certain medicines, such as antibiotics, that your dentist might prescribe can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Always tell your dentist the names and dosages of all the medicines you are taking. He or she needs to know this information when planning your course of treatment, especially if prescribing medicines is a part of your care.

Hormone connection to TMJ : Researchers have evidence that the use of synthetic estrogens (birth control pills) can lead to decreased levels of natural estrogen. Decreased levels of natural estrogen are associated with another oral disorder, one affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

• The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the side of your head.
• Temporomandibular disorders result from problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
• Because more women than men experience temporomandibular disorders, researchers thought there might be a hormone-related connection to this disorder.

According to recently published research, this connection between birth control pills, decreased natural estrogen and TMJ appears to be true. Changes in the bones of this joint have been seen. Also, the combined effect of the compression within the joint caused by TMJ disorders and low levels of natural estrogen can lead to increased inflammation.

1. In some individuals, this inflammation can result in osteoarthritis in the joint.
2. Always tell your dentist the names and dosages of all the medicines you are taking.
3. He or she needs to know this information when planning your course of treatment, especially if prescribing medicines is a part of your care.

Pregnancy : Hormone levels change considerably during pregnancy. An increased level of progesterone in particular can increase your susceptibility to bacterial plaque causing gingivitis which is most noticeable during the second to eighth month of pregnancy.

1. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis where the gums become swollen and bleed easily.
2. Your dentist might recommend more frequent professional cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help reduce the chance of developing gingivitis.
3. Menopause : Numerous oral changes can occur as a consequence of advanced age, the medicines taken to combat diseases, and hormonal changes due to menopause.

These oral changes can include altered taste, a burning sensation in the mouth, and greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and decreased salivary flow that can result in dry mouth. Dry mouth, in turn, can result in the development of periodontal disease because saliva is not available to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque.

1. Dry mouth can also result from many prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are commonly prescribed to older adults.
2. The decline in estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts women at greater risk for bone loss or osteoporosis and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth (called periodontitis ).

Loss of bone, specifically in the jaw, can lead to tooth loss. Receding gums can be a sign of bone loss in the jawbone and also expose more of the tooth surface to potential tooth decay. Hormone therapy may play a role in preserving dental health in postmenopausal women.

Can depression cause sore gums?

Can depression mess up your teeth? – Depression can cause several problems for oral health, including dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. You might not feel like taking care of your teeth when you’re depressed, which can worsen these problems.

How long do sensitive gums last?

Why Do I Have Sore Gums? There are several reasons people develop sore gums. Usually, these can be prevented with proper dental care. You might have sore gums in one area or multiple sections of your mouth, so gums at the back of the mouth may feel fine while the front gums feel sore.

1. Poor brushing technique : The gums are a highly sensitive part of the body so when brushing your teeth bleeding, red or swollen gums can develop if you are particularly rough while brushing. Old toothbrushes often cause sore gums, so make sure that you replace them regularly.
2. Gum disease : Sore gums may be the first sign of gum disease (or periodontal disease). If you have poor oral hygiene gum disease is much more likely to develop. You can prevent gum disease from developing and spreading by practising good oral hygiene.
3. Canker sores and mouth ulcers : Canker sores, similar to a cold sore but inside the mouth, and mouth ulcers are a key cause of sore gums. Unfortunately, nobody understands the causes of canker sores, but they can be triggered by stress, fatigue or injury. Specialist gels can relieve mouth sores.

If you are receiving chemotherapy sore gums are often a side effect. The reasons you might get sore gums varies, so it can be difficult to determine what causes them. As a result, you should see a dental professional. If you would like an appointment in the Brighton and Hove area please feel free to with our friendly team today.

• Tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Tooth pain and decay

To give yourself the best chances of preventing sore gums you can bear the following tips in mind and add them to your existing brushing routine:

1. Choose the right brush : You should always choose a brush with soft nylon bristles that gently brush over the teeth and gums. Brush lightly and see if it improves the feelings of soreness in your mouth. You can also try using a special toothpaste designed for tooth sensitivity, most brands produce their varieties.
2. Make sure you floss : Food particles can easily get trapped between teeth and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Flossing reduces the chances of food particles remaining between teeth after brushing, which will help lower the chances of sore gums developing – and can also help to combat bad breath.
3. Regular checkups : You need regular checkups to ensure good oral health, which can be daunting to nervous patients. Even if you were a fully-fledged dentist you would still be unable to care for your teeth by yourself. Seeing a hygienist is also an excellent idea, as they can clean your teeth and remove any buildup of plaque.

You should also make efforts to maintain a healthy diet, which will give you the right balance of nutrients and vitamins to make sure that your gums are in the best condition, which will reduce the risk of them ever becoming sore. Cigarette smoke may cause sore gums, bleeding gums and other issues in the mouth. If you avoid tobacco products you also lower the chances of gum disease developing or spreading, which is a key cause of sore gums. If your gums are sore because of an injury you should apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling and seek further medical advice if necessary. If you feel you may require urgent care, contact an as soon as possible. We hope you understand a little more about sore gums and the reasons they occur. It can be worrying and confusing to have sore gums and visit your dentist, but we specialise in treating nervous patients in our Brighton-based clinic. Our team is available in the Brighton and Hove area. If you would like to book an appointment for a check-up to determine the cause of your sore gums and find a suitable treatment plan we can help – simply, with us today to book an appointment at our clinic, which is located in the Brighton and Hove area. The following are some commonly asked questions about sore gums and the services we provide:

How long do sore gums take to heal?

The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so. However, if your sore gums are caused by gum disease – the gums will not heal until you treat the underlying gum disease at the root of the problem.

Can saltwater rinse heal gum infection?

A simple saltwater rinse can help to relieve the symptoms of gum pain. Salt can soothe the gums when pain is due to hot and sharp food or an accident that causes injury to the gums. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gargle and swill the solution in your mouth to soothe irritated gum tissue. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Always spit the solution out and do not swallow any, just like regular mouthwash.

Are sore gums bad?

On many occasions, a sore gum can be a temporary problem and will not lead to anything serious, such as when you simply eat slightly too sharp or hot food. Similarly, if the cause of your sore gums is brushing teeth with an improper technique there is no need to worry. However, the cause of your sore gums is gum disease, this is a more serious issue that will require proper dental treatment. If you are unsure of the cause of your sore gums it is essential to see a dentist.

I am a nervous patient, can you help me?

Yes. We specialise in helping nervous patients get the best dental care. Our understanding team is there to listen to all of your concerns and can help to provide a calm and supportive environment.

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• 01273 900933
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: Why Do I Have Sore Gums?

Should you brush sore gums?

INFLAMED GUM CAUSES – Inflamed gums can have several causes including: Plaque – Plaque build-up is a common cause of the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. Plaque bacteria builds up on and around the teeth all the time and if it’s not removed by regular brushing it can irritate the gums causing them to become red and inflamed.

Generally, the inflammation associated with gum disease is not sore, but if it’s left untreated it can progress and worsen into periodontitis, a more severe, irreversible stage of gum disease that can eventually cause tooth loss. Mouth ulcers – These red, white or grey sores may be painful and can appear anywhere in your mouth, including on your gums, which could make them sore and inflamed.

You can have one at a time, or many sores all over your mouth. While uncomfortable, they are usually harmless and clear up in a few days. Antimicrobial mouthwash, like Corsodyl 0.2% Mouthwash helps to prevent infection. You should visit your doctor if the sores are persistent and keep coming back.

Does sensitive teeth mean gum disease?

What causes sensitive teeth, and how can I treat them? – Answer From Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots.

• Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
• Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.
• Desensitizing or bonding. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
• Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Use gentle strokes, rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing, and avoid using an abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard.

Tooth grinding can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity. You might also consider taking care when eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and wine — all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.

After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth. With Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S.