4 Potential Causes and Treatments for Painful Gums
Painful gums can make it hard to sleep at night, can make it uncomfortable to simply live your life, and can make it a challenge to concentrate. If you’re dealing with pain in your gums then you’re likely dealing with an underlying oral health issue. Read on to learn more about four of the potential causes of gum pain and then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment to discuss solutions.
- You may have gum disease
- You may have a medical condition
- Incorrect brushing or flossing may injure your gums
- Some bad habits lead to sore gums
The most likely reason that your gums are hurting is gum disease. There are actually two types of gum disease. The first and least serious is gingivitis. The second option, periodontitis, is more serious but is still treatable. Either from can result in gums that feel sensitive. Gum disease itself is caused by plaque building up. That plaque has bacteria, which irritates the gums, and results in inflammation, sensitivity, and in some cases pain.
The right way to treat gum disease depends on how far it’s developed. For example, gingivitis can be addressed by simply brushing and flossing better, after we do a deep cleaning. On the other hand, periodontal disease may require more significant treatments.
There are a few medical conditions that result in sensitive or painful gums as a side effect. Canker stores are one example, and these happen for no known reason. Some women experience painful or swollen gums during pregnancy. Oral cancer can also be a cause of gum pain. As you can imagine, it’s important to work with a dental professional to find out what the issue is.
Of course, brushing and flossing is important but if you’re not doing it correctly then you could end up with injured gums. Remember that your gums are soft and they should be treated delicately. Be through when you brush and floss, but avoid being overzealous. Use a brush with soft bristles and brush in a circular motion, not back and forth. When you floss, be gentle. Never force the floss to go in between your teeth. If you have trouble brushing or flossing, let us know and we can offer advice.
There are a number of bad habits that could be resulting in sore gums. If you smoke or use another type of tobacco product then you could be damaging your gums on a daily basis. Tobacco not only makes the gums more susceptible to pain but it can encourage the buildup of plaque, which only makes the problem worse. Eating a lot of sugar is another bad habit that can hurt your gums. If you must eat sweets, bring a disposable toothbrush and brush as soon as you’re done eating.
If you’re experiencing pain in your gums then you should talk to a dentist right away. Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today for help determining what your issues are and how they can be treated.
