Gum pain can be caused by inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis, poor oral hygiene, use of braces and dental prosthetics, canker sores, hormonal changes, infection or be a sign of wisdom tooth birth.
In some cases, in addition to gum pain, it is possible to experience bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth, as well as bad breath, and it is essential that you consult your dentist.
Treatment for gum pain must be indicated by the dentist according to the cause of the pain, with specific treatment for the cause and measures that help alleviate pain and discomfort, such as good oral hygiene, correct nutrition or the use of an antiseptic and healing elixir.
What could be gum pain?
The main causes of gum pain are:
1. Better oral hygiene
Bad oral hygiene habits, such as lack of brushing or brushing too hard, can cause gum bleeding, inflammation and infection, resulting in pain.
What to do: It is essential to improve oral hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals, using dental floss and using mouthwash. Furthermore, it is also important to brush your teeth without using too much force, preferably using a soft brush, so as not to damage your gums. See how to brush your teeth correctly.
2. Gingivitis
Gingivitis consists of inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth, causing pain in the gums and between the teeth, bleeding, swelling and redness. It usually happens because oral hygiene is not adequate, but it can also be due to other factors such as cracked or broken teeth, changes in hormones, cancer, alcohol, stress, poor diet, or insufficient saliva production, for example.
What to do: It is important that the dentist is consulted as soon as the first symptoms of gingivitis are noticed, as this means that treatment can be started immediately and can prevent the development of periodontitis. Typically, gingivitis is treated by performing a complete dental cleaning and, in some cases, the use of antibiotics may be indicated.
3. Use of braces and prosthetics
Braces and prosthetics can also cause gum pain, because there can be a greater accumulation of food debris and microorganisms, resulting in infection and, consequently, pain, swelling and bleeding in the gums. Furthermore, if these appliances are poorly adapted they can cause swelling, inflammation and toothache, jaw pain and gum pain.
What to do: In these cases, it is important that oral hygiene is reinforced, to avoid the accumulation of food debris, and to ensure that the prostheses and appliances are properly fixed. It is also recommended that the dentist be consulted regularly so that the need for maintenance of the device or prosthesis can be assessed.
4. Canker sores
Canker sores are small painful lesions that usually appear on the tongue and lips, and can also affect the gums, causing pain and local discomfort. Canker sores can be caused by mouth injuries, acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress or autoimmune disorders.
What to do: To alleviate the discomfort caused by canker sores, a gel with anti-inflammatory properties or a healing and antiseptic mouthwash can be used, as they help to eliminate the canker sore within 2 weeks, however if this does not happen or if the canker sores are frequent, it is It is recommended to go to the dentist so that a complete assessment can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated. See 5 infallible tips for curing canker sores.
5. Emergence of wisdom teeth
The birth of wisdom teeth, which usually happens between the ages of 17 and 21, can also cause pain in the gums, in addition to being quite uncomfortable.
What to do: To relieve pain, you can apply a gel with benzocaine, for example, or rinse your mouth with an anti-inflammatory mouthwash. In cases where the birth of wisdom teeth interferes with the dental arch or when other symptoms appear, the doctor may recommend removing the tooth.
6. Thrush
Thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is an infectious disease caused by the Candida albicans fungus that can reach the mouth and leave the tongue and cheeks white, as well as causing pain in the gums. Learn more about the thrush.
What to do: It is important to consult your dentist or general practitioner so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, which usually consists of applying an antifungal in the form of a liquid, cream or gel, such as Nystatin or Miconazole, directly to the affected region. .
7. Tooth abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of tissue inflamed with pus that appears due to infection at the root of the tooth and can cause intense pain and swelling in the gums.
What to do: In the presence of signs and symptoms of a dental abscess, it is recommended to consult the dentist immediately so that an evaluation can be carried out and the abscess can be removed. The dentist may also recommend the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
8. Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations often occur in women, such as during puberty, during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and menopause, which can affect the gums.
During puberty and pregnancy, the amount of blood that flows to the gums is greater, which can make them swollen, sensitive or painful, while during menopause hormone levels decrease, which can cause bleeding and pain in the gums and changes in their color. .
What to do: It is recommended to consult a gynecologist so that hormonal levels can be assessed and whether there are any symptoms other than pain and swelling in the gums, so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated if necessary.
