Why Do my Gums Hurt? Treatments and Relief from Warner Lakes Dental
While you may not think much about your gums, they do a lot of work, take some abuse, and can become unhealthy or damaged.
The soreness, inflammation, or pain caused by sensitive gums can be the result of many different factors, some a result of an infection and others a natural response from our bodies.
Furthermore, gum soreness can be an early indicator of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What is important is if you do suffer from gum pain that you get to Warner Lakes Dental as soon as possible.
Potential causes of gum pain:
- Gum disease: This is far and away the most common cause of gum pain. Also called gingivitis, this is when bacteria build up beneath the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and lead to loose teeth. Smokers are at a higher risk for gum disease than nonsmokers.
- Canker sores: Small painful ulcers that can occur on the gums, canker sores can be caused by mouth injuries, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or other underlying health conditions.
- Cuts or injuries.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause a person to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums.
- Poor oral hygiene practices: Brushing or flossing too vigorously or frequently can sometimes cause the gums to bleed and be painful.
- Sinusitis: A sinus infection, bacterial or viral, causes swelling of the sinus cavity. Some people with sinusitis also experience gum pain and toothache.
- Tooth abscess: A bacterial tooth-root infection can lead to an abscess, causing gum swelling and/or pain. If you suspect you have an abscess, get to a dentist immediately – they can spread and be potentially life threatening.
Temporary (at-home) solutions
Salt rinse: Warm 1 cup of water on the stove (lukewarm, not boiling) and pour into a glass. Add 1 tsp salt to the water. Swish in your mouth and spit the water out, being sure not to swallow it.
Compress: Strangely, both hot and cold compresses can reduce pain.
Hot compress: heat water to a comfortable, warm temperature. Dampen a clean cloth in the water; squeeze out any excess and gently press the fabric to your face near the area of the pain. Be sure not to apply it directly to the gums.
Cold compress: wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply using the same method as above. Use either method until the pain subsides, or alternate between hot and cold until swelling and inflammation die down.
Teabags: Boil a fresh tea bag in water for five minutes, just as you usually would. When the tea bag cools down to the point it can be touched, apply directly to the gums for five minutes or more.
Use a tea high in astringent tannins, such as green tea, black tea, or hibiscus tea. Alternatively, choose a tea containing an anti-inflammatory herb such as chamomile or ginger.
Oral anaesthetic gels: Medicated anesthetic oral gels are available in pharmacies and online. They contain synthetic and natural compounds that help numb and treat gum pain. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Over-the-counter painkillers: Common painkillers and NSAID’s, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can be used while you are waiting for professional help.
As always, be sure to follow the directions and warnings on the label.
Professional treatments
If you have gum pain that lasts for a protracted period, you need to get professional treatment, as the pain can be a symptom of something serious or a sign of a developing oral issue.
Your Warner dentist suggests the following if you suffer from gum pain.
- Regular dental visits: This is your first line of defence against the causes of gum pain or any oral issues.
- Antibiotics:Â If an infection is causing your pain, antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection.
- Tissue removal or drainage:Â Your dentist may need to drain an infection with a needle or remove infected tissue from the painful area.
- Tooth removal:Â In rare cases, infected teeth need to be removed.
Generally, the causes of gum pain are not serious, but it is essential to get them checked. If the pain is caused by something minor, your dentist will treat it immediately.
If the pain seems to be a symptom of something more serious, your dentist will recommend the proper course of action.
The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience
Warner Lakes Dental wants your visit to be the quickest and most convenient dental experience imaginable.
From the second you pull into our parking lot to when you make your next appointment on your way out, we make the entire process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
From simple check-ups and cleans to root canals, extractions, and cosmetic procedures; Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.
We help you and your family enjoy life with a stunning smile and a healthy mouth!
Warner dentist also serves the local communities in Whiteside, Cashmere, Bray Park, Albany Creek, Brendale, Strathpine, Joyner, Griffin, Lawnton, and Petrie.
Dental Emergency
Same day emergency appointment available
For more information, call us on (07) 3477 9925 or request your appointment here.
We are located at Warner Lakes Medical Precinct, 1185B Old North Road in Warner.