Tooth pain is a common problem. But sometimes, you might feel pain in your gums. Swollen, inflamed, and painful gums can result from many conditions. In this blog, we have listed five reasons why your gums hurt.
Why Do My Gums Hurt?
Did you know your gums hurt for a variety of reasons? It can have many causes, from minor ones like wrong brushing techniques to severe ones like gum disease. If you catch your gums hurt, it could be due to:
- Aggressive Brushing & Flossing: Regular brushing and flossing are necessary for a healthy mouth. But, it can cause even more problems if you do it wrong. Not only are brushing and flossing important but doing them correctly is too. You might irritate your gums by aggressively brushing and flossing them. Therefore, if you notice that your gums hurt when brushing or flossing, you should:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Brush by making gentle, slow circles and covering every surface of your tooth. Gently brush your gums too.
- Floss gently between each tooth, making sure not to snap the floss.
- Ask your dentist for proper flossing and brushing techniques.
Hence, poor oral hygiene habits and aggressive techniques might be why your gums hurt.
- Canker Sores: If you have red spots on your gums, they might be the culprit for your gum pain. These red spots are called canker sores, and they usually go away on their own. If they do not heal after a couple of weeks, consult your dentist immediately.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease develops gradually, often because you fail to adhere to proper oral hygiene. It starts as bleeding, redness, swelling, and pain in your gums. With time, your gums start pulling back from your teeth, leaving tiny spaces where debris collects. If not treated on time, you might get an infection or experience worse symptoms of gum disease. However, you might not notice signs of gum disease on time. Thus, brush and floss your teeth regularly. Moreover, stay attentive and visit your dentist immediately if you notice bleeding, swelling, or other symptoms of gum disease.
- Tobacco: Gum disease can also develop in those who smoke, chew tobacco, or use other alternatives. It can even cause gum recession and oral cancer. Therefore, avoid using tobacco products for the safety of your overall health.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer might look like a persistent sore in your mouth that refuses to heal. It can be pretty painful, starting from your gums, tongue, inner cheek, or tonsils and slowly developing more. Thus, go to your dentist if you feel pain in your gums and jaw or any other area in your mouth.
What’s the Takeaway?
Gum pain can occur due to several causes. Practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist for any sign of discomfort. Usually, it is due to minor reasons. However, it is always best to get medical help just in case. We have the best dentists at SIMA Family Dental; just give us a call at 281-457-6444.