Aside from gum pain, it helps to look for these other signs (might eventually cause gum pain later on or affect your overall oral health):
- Your gums bleed during and after brushing
- Occasional or frequent bad taste in the mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Swollen gums
Those might be the start of mild gum disease. If neglected, they can progress into something worse (periodontitis). Here, the gums are now severely weakened and they become more vulnerable to bacterial infection. Inflammation may result and this may lead to chronic or intense gum pain.
Prevention: taking care of your gums
To take care of your gums and prevent gum disease, it’s good to do the following:
- Visit a dentist for professional dental cleaning (once or twice a year is already enough)
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Limit consumption of sugary drinks and food
- Beware of hot and cold food and beverages (they may cause sudden sharp pain)
- Stay hydrated
- Rinse with mouthwash (doing this every day can help slow down gum disease)
- Relax and manage stress (drastic hormonal changes can increase chances of inflammation and affect oral health)
Still, if you suspect there’s a problem with your teeth or gums, it’s best to consult a dentist. This can help prevent tooth loss and other oral problems. In addition, you’ll know early on what’s causing your gum pain and you can get rid of that pain as soon as possible.