19 Jul

Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Sore gums are a frustrating problem that may be a sign of a more serious condition. Understanding why your gums hurt will help you determine whether or not your pain is a dental emergency. At Lifetime Family Dental, we treat a variety of dental problems that can affect the gums. Continue reading to find out what causes gum pain. 

Seven Reasons Why Your Gums Can Hurt

1: Brushing Too Hard

Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is essential for a healthy mouth. However, rough brushing and aggressive flossing can weaken your teeth and make your gums sore, so make sure to be gentle. If your gums hurt when brushing your teeth gently, try switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2: Ill-Fitting Dentures

Gum pain can be a sign that your removable dentures don’t fit properly. Ignoring gum irritation can cause tissue damage and increase your risk of gum disease. If you suspect your dentures are making your gums hurt, speak with your dentist about adjusting the fit so you can find relief. 

3: Gum Disease

Gum disease is a type of oral infection caused by a buildup of bacteria that attack your teeth and gums. Although the infection can be reversed if it’s caught early enough, it can also result in irreversible gum recession and tooth loss if left untreated. Contact your dentist as soon as possible if your gum pain is accompanied by red, swollen gums that bleed easily.

4: Mouth Burn

Burning your mouth on hot foods and drinks is a common cause of sore gums. You may not even feel the pain until a few hours after burning yourself, so it’s easy to forget what happened. If you’ve burned your mouth, avoid hot and spicy foods to prevent more irritation. Your mouth should heal on its own in about two weeks. In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain medication and sugar-free cough drops to help soothe the pain. 

5: Hormones

Hormonal changes can cause sore gums in women during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. You may also notice gum swelling and sensitivity when going through hormonal changes. If you think your gum pain is caused by hormones, consult your dentist to find the best course of treatment. 

6: Tooth Abscess

Another type of bacterial infection that can affect your gums is a tooth abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops inside of your tooth and causes soreness and swelling in your gums. To treat an abscess, your dentist will need to drain it and get rid of the infection. However, the affected tooth will most likely need either a root canal or an extraction. 

7: Oral Cancer

If you have a sore on your gums that won’t go away, it could be a sign of oral cancer. There are many types of cancers that can affect the mouth, but with any type of oral cancer, early diagnosis gives you the best chance at successful treatment. Schedule a dentist appointment if you notice a sore on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or inner cheek that doesn’t heal after two weeks. 

Treatment for Sore Gums in Gilbert

If you suspect that a dental condition is the reason why your gums hurt, contact Lifetime Family Dental for treatment and relief. We’ll gently examine your gums, identify the problem, and work with you to determine the best treatment for your diagnosis. Call us at 480-558-4331 today to schedule an appointment. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/19/2022). Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels