22 August 2022

Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Some common causes of gum pain are: 

  • Gum disease 
  • Harsh brushing and flossing 
  • Dentures that don’t fit properly 
  • Tooth abscess (consult a dentist right away) 
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, menopause) 
  • Allergy (to certain foods or dental hygiene products) 
  • Vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin B and C which are important for gum health) 

To know the exact cause, you have to visit a dentist as soon as possible. This way, you’ll get the appropriate treatment and get rid of the pain sooner. This will also help you gain peace of mind about the health of your teeth and gums. 

Signs of gum disease and other problems 

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.