What Can Cause Gum Pain?
Gum pain can be caused by various factors, leading to discomfort and irritation in the gum tissues. The most common cause of gum pain is poor oral hygiene, which leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gum line. This, in turn, can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.
Identifying the specific cause of gum pain is essential for effective treatment and the prevention of further complications. Here is a deeper exploration of the common gum pain causes.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, appear as small white or gray sores surrounded by a red border inside the mouth. They are typically non-contagious and may occur as single sores or several. While the exact cause remains uncertain, some experts believe that immune system issues, bacteria, or viruses may play a role. Trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth can also trigger their occurrence. When they develop near the gum line, they can be close enough to irritate the gum tissue causing pain.
Generally, canker sores heal naturally within one or two weeks, and temporary relief can be found through over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, if the sores persist beyond the expected timeframe, it is advisable to seek guidance from a dental professional.
Cuts or Injuries
Gum cuts or injuries can happen unexpectedly and more easily. The soft tissues in your mouth, including your gums, are delicate and can easily suffer cuts due to their delicate nature. Symptoms of a cut on your gums include laceration and bleeding, which results in gum pain.
The top causes include a slip of the toothbrush, flossing too hard, eating sharp foods (such as a pointed corn chip), or using a non-dental item like a toothpick. While many gum cuts will heal on their own, some may require treatment.
Hormonal Changes
Hormone fluctuations can surprisingly heighten the vulnerability to gum disease in women. Elevated levels of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, cause increased blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to heightened reactions to anything that may irritate them.
Ideally, women may prioritise oral care during certain stages of their lives, including puberty, menstruation, and menopause. During puberty, hormonal shifts can leave teenage girls with red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Menstruation may heighten symptoms like swollen gums, bleeding gums, canker sores, or swollen salivary glands. Menopause may mark significant changes, impacting taste, causing burning sensations, and heightening oral sensitivity.
Sinusitis
A less common yet significant cause of gum pain is sinus infection. The sinus cavities are close to the roots of the upper back teeth. Inflamed sinuses filled with mucus exert pressure on the tooth roots, resulting in pain resembling gum pain.
If you are experiencing only discomfort in your upper teeth on both sides of your face and not any other signs or symptoms, sinusitis could be the culprit. If you suspect that your gum pain might be from a sinus infection, seek advice from a dentist for appropriate treatment.
Gum Diseases
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a primary cause of gum pain. Bleeding gums may indicate other potential conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include swelling, bleeding gums, tenderness upon touch, mouth sores, swollen gums, and a bright red, purple, or shiny appearance to the gums.
Improving your brushing technique or brushing more frequently after meals helps eliminate bacteria and remove leftover food particles and sugary residues that feed them. Bacteria can swiftly form plaque within a couple of hours, which hardens into tartar in just a few days. To avoid plaque buildup, you can try using a toothpaste that provides antibacterial protection for the whole mouth. For instance, Colgate Total Advanced Health fights germs for 12 hours on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums, giving you whole mouth health.