Gum pain, though often underestimated, can range from mildly bothersome to excruciatingly painful, significantly affecting one's quality of life. This discomfort can stem from various sources, including canker sores, gum disease, dental issues, and more. Understanding the causes, seeking appropriate treatment, and adopting preventive measures are crucial steps in managing gum pain effectively.
What are the Causes of Gum Pain?
Gum pain can be somewhat annoying to extremely painful and debilitating. Below is a list of possible causes of gum pain:
- On the gums, there may appear a small, painful ulcer known as a canker sore. Psychological stress, oral traumas, compromised immune systems, or other underlying medical conditions may all contribute to the development of canker sores.
- Food and other objects, such as piercings, that enter the mouth may cause minor wounds or injuries to the gums and teeth. Sometimes, accidentally chewing down on the gums can cause pain and bleeding.
- Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a condition that occurs when bacteria buildup behind the gums results in swelling and bleeding. Without care, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which can lead to loose teeth. Smokers have an increased risk of experiencing gum diseases as opposed to non-smokers.
- Hormone changes, especially during pregnancy, can result in swelling, discomfort, and bleeding gums.
- When you brush or floss too violently or frequently, the gums may occasionally bleed, which can be uncomfortable.
- Sinusitis, which results in swelling of the sinus cavity, can be brought on by a bacterial or viral infection in the sinuses. Some people who have sinusitis may also have tooth and gum discomfort.
- A bacterial infection in the tooth root can result in an abscess or pus-filled sac. A tooth abscess may result in gum discomfort and edema. It is essential to visit a dentist as soon as you can since they have the potential to be dangerous and spread to other body areas.
What are the Treatments for Gum Pain?
How to manage gum soreness depends on the underlying cause.
For example, a dentist may suggest professional cleaning for individuals with gum disease in order to eliminate plaque and tartar from the gums. To eliminate additional germs and prevent plaque from developing in the future, they could also suggest using an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one with alcohol.
When gum disease is advanced, a dentist may suggest surgery to replace missing bone or gum tissue. Sometimes, bone and tissue grafting is done to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
People who have dental abscesses could need root canal therapy. A dentist will perform this treatment to extract the abscess from the tooth's root as well as the infected pulp, or soft tissue, within the tooth. The injured tooth will then be repaired and sealed.
Sinusitis-related gum discomfort often goes away after the illness is under control. Antibiotics may be recommended by a doctor for bacterial illnesses.
How to Prevent Gum Pain?
With proper oral hygiene, gum pain, and other dental issues can be avoided. Maintaining good dental care requires brushing and flossing your teeth as well as using mouthwash. Also, routine dental examinations, once every six months, could allow prevention of gum pain.
Moreover, better gum health can also result from quitting smoking. Smoking can hinder healing and aggravate discomfort by reducing blood flow to the gums.
In conclusion, gum pain is a distressing condition that can arise from a multitude of causes, including canker sores, gum disease, dental injuries, hormonal changes, and infections. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are paramount in alleviating this discomfort, ranging from professional dental cleanings and surgical interventions to antibiotics and root canal therapy, depending on the underlying issue. However, the old adage, "prevention is better than cure," holds true for gum pain as well. By adopting diligent oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, coupled with routine dental check-ups, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing gum pain.
References:
- American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). What is a root canal? Retrieved from https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/
- Ekfeldt, A., & Karlsson, S. (1991). Assessment of anxiety and pain in patients undergoing endodontic treatment. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 49(3), 153-158. https://doi.org/10.3109/00016359109005893
- Medical News Today. (2020, January 28). Sinus infection and tooth pain: What is the link? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sinus-infection-tooth-pain
- Samaranayake, L. P. (2021). Oral microbial communities in health and disease. In A. W. S. Hannigan (Ed.), Oral Microbial Communities in Health and Disease (pp. 315-336). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56978-5_21
