Common Causes
Gum pain can also be associated with symptoms like bleeding gums, pain with chewing, or swelling of the gums. Reasons for why your gums may hurt could arise from inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. Other causes of gum pain include dental irritations from brushing, flossing, or dental procedures. infectious causes from dental or soft tissue conditions.
Related Conditions
Tooth and Gum Pain- Possible Causes and Remedies
- Common Causes of Gum Pain
- Poor Brushing and Flossing Habits. Although good dental hygiene involves brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day, if you use the wrong kind of brush or are too ...
- Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores. ...
- Gum Disease. ...
- Burns. ...
- Hormonal Changes. ...
- Ill-fitting Dentures. ...
- Tobacco. ...
Why is my Gum sore above my tooth?
- Puberty. The influx of hormones during puberty can increase blood flow to the gums, which can lead to swelling and sensitivity.
- Menstruation. Shortly before each menstrual period, some women’s gums can become swollen and more likely to bleed. ...
- Pregnancy. ...
- Menopause. ...
What causes gum pain around a tooth?
Preventive Tips For Gum Swelling And Gum Bleeding
- Use non-irritating toothpaste and mouthwash that are gentle yet effective.
- Brush at least twice a day, because good oral hygiene is the way to prevent gingivitis.
- Stay away from beverages that contain artificial sugars and colors.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol as they can irritate your gums further.
Why do my gums hurt where I have no teeth?
How to reduce gum swelling quickly?
How do you get rid of swollen gums above your teeth?
Home remedies for dealing with swollen gums around a toothSaltwater rinse. A 2016 study indicated that a saltwater rinse can be effective in dealing with gum inflammation caused by gingivitis. ... Tea tree oil rinse. A 2014 study indicated that tea tree oil can reduce bleeding caused by gingivitis. ... Turmeric gel.
How can you tell if your gums are infected?
Signs that you may have infected gums include: Gums that are swollen, tender or bleeding. Receding gums. Pus coming from the gums. Chronic bad breath.
How do you treat upper sore gums?
Home treatmentSoothe your gums by brushing and flossing gently, so you don't irritate them. ... Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to rid your mouth of bacteria.Drink lots of water. ... Avoid irritants, including strong mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco.Place a warm compress over your face to lessen gum pain.
Do gum infections go away on their own?
An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist. It's important to get help as soon as possible, as abscesses do not go away on their own.
Why do my gums hurt in one spot?
Gums may hurt in one spot if you have a sore anywhere along the gums. This can occur from consumption of hard or sharp foods, a gum abscess, or from an infection trapped within the gums. Food trapped between teeth can also exert pressure upon the gums, and if not removed by flossing, it can cause pain in the gums.
When should I see a dentist for gum pain?
When to See the Dentist. If your gums hurt or bleed for more than a week, head for your dentist's chair. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of the gum disease gingivitis. You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned regularly.
How do I stop my gum from hurting and throbbing?
10 Simple Ways to Relieve Painful GumsWarm and Cold Compresses. A great and easy way to relieve painful gums is by applying compresses on your gum to relieve your pain. ... Salt Water Rinses. ... Hydrogen Peroxide. ... Tea Bags. ... Tea Tree Oil. ... Turmeric Paste. ... Over-the-Counter Pain Killers. ... Oral Anaesthetic Gels.More items...
Why is my gum swollen around one tooth?
When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are the most common form of mouth sore. They are caused by a variety of factors, including injury, harsh brushing, and flossing, poor diet, food sensitivities, allergies, or stress.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes inflamed, bleeding, and swollen gums. It often occurs due to insufficient oral care. The symptoms of gingivitis often go unnoticed in the early stages, but it can look like receding or inflamed gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and can cause bad breath.
Periodontal Disease
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. This disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth and gums that causes the gums to swell and recede and can cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease often causes dental abscesses, oral bleeding, bad breath, and tooth shifting.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection on the inside of the mouth. It appears most commonly in babies, the elderly, and those who spend extended stays in the hospital. The commonalities between these groups are those who cannot complete thorough oral care routines and may have suppressed immune systems.
Oral Cancer
Most of the conditions mentioned above are not a great cause for emergency care and concern and simply require a visit to your dentist, good oral hygiene, and in some cases, medication. But of course, a gum sore above your teeth that is painful, consistent, and that will not go away could be an indicator of a more severe condition.
Need to See a Dentist About a Gum Sore?
At East Valley Dental Professionals, our dentists have decades of experience caring for patients with gum sores. We hope this list of conditions above has put your mind at ease, knowing that most oral sores can be treated with a dental visit and a thorough oral care routine.
Why do my gums hurt?
The most common cause of gum pain is inflammation of the gums or gingivitis . One of the most common causes of gingivitis is the buildup of bacteria (called plaque) on the teeth and gums leading to irritation and pain. Other causes of gingivitis include mechanical irritation, medications, nutritional deficiencies or other systemic illnesses.
What causes gum pain?
Medications: Certain medications can cause enlargement of the gums which can lead to plaque buildup, irritation, pain, or bleeding. Calcium channel blockers, a common blood pressure medication, phenytoin (Dilantin) and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, may cause gum pain symptoms. Systemic conditions: Some chronic medical conditions ...
How to treat gum pain?
At-home treatments. The following remedies for gum pain can be tried at home. Brushing and flossing: Regular brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride and regular dental flossing are the best ways to prevent plaque buildup and dental infection.
Why do my gums swell?
Gum swelling, often accompanied by bleeding gums and tenderness-to-touch, is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, infections. Plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums often cause gum inflammation and there are plenty of home remedies. But you may need to see a dentist for more serious issues.
Why is it important to visit a dentist?
Regular dental visits: Regular visits to a dentist for hygiene are important for prevention of gingivitis, plaque buildup, and dental infections. Antibiotics: If a dental infection is causing gum pain, a doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Why does my tooth pull hurt after a tooth extraction?
Dry socket (or postextraction alveolar osteitis) is a common cause of severe pain after a dental extraction (tooth pull). It's known to be related to how the extraction was done, menstrual cycle, tobacco smoking, age, sex, and whether you have had an extraction before.
Can you change your prescription for infected teeth?
Medications: If a doctor suspects gum irritation and pain due to medications, they may change your prescription . Do not stop or change your medications without consulting a doctor.
Why do my gums get sore?
It’s an infection caused by plaque buildup that attacks the tissue and bones supporting your teeth. This causes your gums to recede and your teeth to become loose. While it usually develops slowly, periodontitis can also come on quickly. Its main symptom is gum soreness, and it can also cause: swollen gums.
Why do my gums hurt when I brush?
It’s possible you may feel more pain if you use a harsh mouthwash, especially one containing alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of sore gums.
How do you know if you have gingivitis?
Other symptoms of gingivitis include: receding gums. tender gums. bad breath. gums that look puffy. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing or brushing your teeth enough. While it’s not a serious condition, it can quickly progress into a more serious form of gum disease.
What causes soreness in the bottom of the mouth?
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s fairly common. It causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of your gums, especially along the bottom of your teeth. Gingivitis can make your gums tear and bleed easily, causing soreness. Other symptoms of gingivitis include:
What happens to gums when you take birth control?
These changes can alter the way your body supplies blood to your gums . This makes your gum tissue more sensitive and vulnerable to damage and irritation.
How to treat periodontitis?
Treating periodontitis requires advanced forms of professional teeth cleaning called scaling and root planting. Both of these help to remove bacteria from under your gums. You’ll need to follow up with regular brushing and flossing to avoid another infection.
How to treat thrush on gums?
If they reach your gums, you might feel some soreness or irritation. Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medications. These usually come in several forms, including a pill, lozenge, and mouthwash.
Why does my gum swell around my tooth?
Summary. A swollen gum around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. People should visit the dentist if the swelling persists for more than a week. An earlier appointment is necessary if a person suspects a tooth abscess.
How to prevent gum inflammation?
The best way to prevent gum inflammation is to practice good oral hygiene by: brushing the teeth twice a day. flossing at least once a day. having a dental checkup once or twice a year. visiting the dentist if experiencing swollen gums or tooth pain. avoiding excess sugar to prevent plaque formation.
What causes a tooth to be red and swollen?
Periapical abscesses usually occur due to decay or tooth fractures, and they affect the root of a tooth. Periodontal abscesses affect the gum. Both types may cause gum swelling and redness around a tooth. Other symptoms of a dental abscess include: an intense throbbing pain in the tooth or gum. pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck.
What are the two types of dental abscesses?
The two types of dental abscess are periodontal and periapical. A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms within a tooth or its surrounding structures as a result of a bacterial infection. Periapical abscesses usually occur due to decay or tooth fractures, and they affect the root of a tooth.
How to prevent gum swelling from tooth abscess?
In many cases, a person can prevent gum swelling by practicing good oral hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for routine checkups.
What is the medical term for gum disease?
Trusted Source. of people aged 30 years or older in the United States show signs of gum disease. The medical term for this is periodontal disease . Periodontal disease happens due to infection and inflammation of the gums that support and surround the teeth. These infections occur when a person has a buildup of plaque.
What happens if you don't remove food debris from your teeth?
Flossing and brushing usually remove this debris. If a person does not remove the debris, it can cause the gum around the tooth to swell. Over time, this may result in dental decay and gum disease.
Why do my gums swell up?
Other causes of swollen gums that could potentially occur around a single tooth include: Poorly fitting dentures or dental appliances. Viral infection. Fungal infection. Side effects of medication. Not getting enough nutrients. Sensitivity to mouthwash or toothpaste.
How to get rid of a swollen gum?
Brush at least twice a day at a 45-degree angle, brushing away from your gums to remove debris at or below your gumline. Clean between your teeth with floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers at least once a day. Consider using other helpful products like antimicrobial mouthrinses and tongue scrapers.
How to prevent gum disease?
Luckily, gum disease is preventable by practicing good oral hygiene , and its more severe stages can be treated with deep cleaning (and, in some cases, surgery). Learn more about gum disease. 3. Abscessed Tooth. An abscessed tooth is a small sac of pus in your gums caused by a bacterial infection.
What happens if you have gingivitis?
In its earliest stages (gingivitis), you may experience red and swollen gums. If your gingivitis goes untreated, your inflammation can develop into a more severe condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause your tissue to recede, bone to wear away, teeth to loosen, and your teeth could even fall out.
How to tell if you have an abscessed tooth?
See your dental professional for treatment right away if you think you have an abscessed tooth.
Why do bacteria get into my tooth?
Most often, bacteria reach the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth's pulp (the inner chamber) because of tooth decay or a broken or fractured tooth, but tooth abscesses can also be the result of gum disease .
Why does my tooth swell?
1. Food Debris. If you have swelling around just one tooth in your mouth, it may be because you didn't get food debris out from under your gums, which can cause decay and inflammation. If you get the debris out early by ...
Why does my gum hurt?
Many people experience gum pain or irritation at some point. A buildup of plaque and other bacteria is often the culprit of gum pain and irritation. This buildup can also cause bleeding and redness of the gums.
How do you know if you have a bump on your gums?
More often than not, a bump on your gums isn’t anything serious. However, you should call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to a bump: fever. throbbing pain. foul taste in your mouth or foul-smelling breath. a sore that doesn’t heal.
What is a dental abscess?
During the procedure, your doctor can also treat any dead root tissue to prevent the cyst from returning. 2. Abscess. An abscess on the gums is called a periodontal abscess. Bacterial infections cause these small collections of pus. The abscess may feel like a soft, warm bump. Dental abscesses are often very painful.
What is a red bump in the gums?
An oral pyogenic granuloma is a red bump that develops in your mouth, including your gums. It typically appears as a swollen, blood-filled lump that bleeds easily. Doctors aren’t sure what causes them, but the thought is minor injuries and irritation seem to play a role.
What does a tumor on your gums look like?
A cancerous tumor on your gums might look like a small growth, lump, or thickening of the skin. Other symptoms of oral cancer include: It you’re worried that a bump might be cancerous, it’s best to follow up with your doctor to put your mind at ease and start treatment as early as possible if needed.
What is a mouth ulcer that can form at the base of the gums?
Depending on how severe the infection is, they may need to remove a tooth or perform a root canal. 3. Canker sore. Canker sores are small mouth ulcers that can form at the base of the gums. They’re different from cold sores, which a virus causes.
What is a cyst in your gum?
A cyst is a small bubble filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials. Dental cysts can form on your gums around your teeth. Most dental cysts form around the roots of dead or buried teeth. They grow slowly over time and rarely cause symptoms unless they become infected. When this happens, you might notice some pain and swelling around the bump.