Sore Gums

When you think about dental health, you probably are a lot like me, focusing more on cavities than your gums. For years, I didn’t pay enough attention to my gums and started to develop painful sore gums a few years ago. Here is the expert advice, insights, best practices that help me. I’ve organized this site into the following areas:

1. What are sore gums, what causes them and complications
2. In-depth causes of sore gums
3. Sore Gum prevention: (both at-home and doctors office)
4. Sore Gum treatment options: (both at-home and doctors office)

Here are recommendations for treating sore gums at home:

Understanding Sore Gums

Sore gums are exactly what their name would suggest: gums that are sore, painful, or tender. There can be various causes of sore gums, the most common of which is gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can cause other complications that are more serious than tender gums.

Sore gums can manifest as a dull, achy, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, or burning feeling. The exact sensation experienced by the sufferer will depend largely in part on what the cause of the pain is. Gum ulcers, for example will produce a burning or stinging sensation similar to what one might feel with a cut in the mouth. Sore gums caused by gum disease tend to be more tender and throbbing, and can range from mild to intense.

Types of Sore Gums

Painful gums can either be localized in one area as is common with abscesses and ulcers, or they can include the entire amount of periodontal tissue. Gums that are sore as a result of gingivitis are often swollen and typically produce tenderness at the gum line.

Causes of Sore Gums (for more in-depth causes, click here):

The number one cause of sore gums is periodontal disease. This disease, in its early stages, is easily treated with strict oral hygiene habits and regular visits to a dentist. Once the disease progresses into advanced stages, however, it becomes more difficult to treat. According to recently statistics, more than three-quarters of American adults over the age of 35 suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. While most people with gum disease have the less severe form, called gingivitis, between 5% and 15% of the population has a much more serious type of gum disease known as periodontitis.

• Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It occurs when plaque on the teeth allow bacteria to grow and cause inflammation in the gums. At this stage, gums become sore, swollen, and prone to easy bleeding when brushing and flossing. Some people with gingivitis do not experience symptoms in the early stages. Bad breath may be present.
• When periodontal disease progresses, gums can become moderately painful as the tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. Periodontal disease should be treated by a dentist as early as possible so as to prevent tooth loss and permanent gum tissue damage.
• Periodontal abscess is another possible cause of sore gums. In this condition, a pocket of pus, or infection, develop on the gum. Pain and soreness will be limited to the infected area with some possible tenderness around the circumference of the abscess. Gum tissue may be swollen and red.
• Food impaction can also cause gums to be sore. Poorly aligned teeth or defective dental restorations can cause food particles to become trapped between teeth. When this food is not removed through regular brushing and flossing it can become impacted and irritate the gums, causing soreness.
• Ulcers are a common cause of gum soreness. These are lesions, or sores, that are typical of patients with immunological diseases such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and cancer. The use of special mouthwashes and topical steroids can usually clear up painful ulcers.

The Appearance of Sore Gums

Sore gums can often appear red, white, or even black with some necrotizing gum diseases. Healthy gums are typically pink and tight in appearance. Bleeding is common with gum soreness.

Complications Associated with Sore Gums

The different types of oral diseases that result in gum soreness can often progress into serious complications. The most severe complication is the death of healthy gum tissue with necrotizing periodontitis. Patients can also experience tooth and bone loss in advanced periodontal diseases. These complications are permanent and irreversible.

As infection spreads from the gum tissue to the teeth, tooth decay sets in. The gums recede from the gum line, exposing sensitive tooth structures to the conditions of the mouth. This can cause severe tooth pain in addition to the sore gums.

Infection in the mouth can also have a negative impact on the patient’s health in general. Infection can spread to the rest of the body via the blood stream and digestive system. Chronic gum disease can place patients at an increased risk for developing heart disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Gum disease can make it difficult for diabetes patients to control their blood sugar. Respiratory health is also put at risk, which can be very dangerous for people with chronic conditions such as emphysema. Pregnant women with gum disease have an increased risk for preterm labor and for delivering infants with a low birth weight.

Be sure to seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms, even if you are not experiencing any discomfort:

• changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures
• formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
• loose or shifting teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• receding gums
• red, swollen, or tender gums

Preventing Sore Gums

The natural methods above can prevent the development of sore gums when combined with regular brushing at least twice per day using a soft bristle toothbrush. Being proactive with your dental health, seeing your dentist regularly, and staying in good general health can all help to prevent sore gums and gum disease. See here for more Sore Gum prevention.

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