- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use only toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles.
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed.
Common Causes
Talk to your doctor if you have gum pain as well as a yellowish coating on your mouth, throat, or inside of your cheeks — it may be thrush. Gingivitis. This gum disease is characterized by swollen, painful gums that bleed easily. Go to your dentist if you have red, swollen, bleeding, and sore gums for over a week.
Related Conditions
Painful gums are most commonly due to inflammation of the gums or gingiva. This condition is known as gingivitis. The most common cause of gingivitis is buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, which is called plaque. However dental infections, mouth infections and other medical illnesses are all causes of painful gums.
Should I talk to my doctor about my gum pain?
If your only symptom is gum pain, try these treatments at home: 1 Saltwater rinse. 2 Compress. 3 Herbal poultice. 4 Homemade dental spray. 5 Teabags. 6 ... (more items)
Why are my gums so painful?
Gum pain is often an isolated incident that can be easily treated or relieved. In certain instances, gum pain can be a symptom of a bigger oral health issue. See your doctor or dentist if your gum pain: Gum pain can also be a sign of other oral problems, such as: Thrush. This oral yeast infection may include gum pain as a symptom.
How to get rid of gum pain?
Is it normal for my Gum to hurt when I eat?
How can I heal my gums fast?
First-line treatment optionsBrush your teeth at least twice a day. ... Opt for an electric toothbrush to maximize your cleaning potential.Make sure your toothbrush has soft or extra-soft bristles.Replace your toothbrush every three months.Floss daily.Use a natural mouthwash.Visit your dentist at least once a year.More items...
Can gum pain heal on its own?
Sore gums are often an indication of a bigger problem, but if the soreness doesn't last more than a few days then it may just be a reaction to hormonal changes or something as simple as a canker sore. If a person is only experiencing pain in the gums then it may end up going away on its own in a few days.
Why is my gum under my teeth hurting?
Gums may hurt in one spot if you have a sore anywhere along the gums. This can occur from consumption of hard or sharp foods, a gum abscess, or from an infection trapped within the gums. Food trapped between teeth can also exert pressure upon the gums, and if not removed by flossing, it can cause pain in the gums.
How can I get rid of gum pain at home?
How to Soothe Sore GumsRinse your mouth with warm salt water.Use only toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles.Use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed.
Can I rub salt on my gums?
Salt water is one of the most commonly used remedies for oral problems. It neutralizes the mouth's pH and soothes the inflamed gums (3). It also helps to alleviate the swelling with its anti-inflammatory properties.
How long does gum pain last?
The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so.
What medicine is best for gum pain?
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease dental and oral discomfort. A person may see the best results when they combine over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers with home remedies, such as gargling with a salt water solution.
Can a gum abscess heal on its own?
Keep in mind that a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own. It's important that you see a dentist to begin treatment. Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket.
How to tell if you don't have gum disease?
Either way, this article will reveal to you how to cure it or prevent it in the case that you don’t have gum disease. Here are the signs and symptoms: Bleeding when brushing or flossing. Your gums are swollen, red or tender. Receding gums (gums are moving away from the tooth) Bad breath. Loosen teeth.
How to cure gum disease?
Brush your tongue. Remember to floss once in a day. Brush for two minutes and twice daily. Use mouthwash. Change your brush after two months of usage. By doing all these, you’ll be on the right path to curing your gum disease. You can’t cure gum disease if you can’t even remember to brush twice a day.
Why do you need vitamin C for gums?
As you fight the bacteria in your gums, you’ll need Vitamin C to speed up the healing process . Vitamin C is extremely good for a speedy recovery. Most dentists recommend to their patients who are suffering from gum disease. You don’t have to go to a dentist to buy Vitamin C.
What is a late stage gum disease?
A late stage is when your gum disease has taken a toll on you. This is when it’s impossible to get anything done during the day and night. If your condition is in its late stage, then the solution I’m about to reveal to you here won’t make a quick positive impact.
What is gum disease?
Here’s a simple definition of gum disease by Wikipedia: “Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth.”. In its early stage, gums may become swollen, red and bleed.
How to get rid of a swollen gum?
Add a tablespoon of either table salt or sea salt into a cup of warm water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved. Check to see that it’s not too hot enough to burn your mouth. Take a big sip of the salt water and hold it in your mouth around your gum. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out.
Can you cure gum disease with alcohol?
I’ll like to add that you won’t be able to cure your gum disease if you don’t stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Even if you can’t stop smoking completely during the time of treatment, you should, at least, try minimizing it to the lowest possible levels. Smoking and alcohol are bad for the gum and teeth.
Why does my gum hurt?
Gum pain can also be a sign of other oral problems, such as: Thrush. This oral yeast infection may include gum pain as a symptom. Talk to your doctor if you have gum pain as well as a yellowish coating on your mouth, throat, or inside of your cheeks — it may be thrush. Gingivitis.
How to get rid of gum pain?
Heat water to a tolerable temperature (not boiling). Soak a clean cloth in the hot water, and then squeeze out the excess. Gently press the warm, damp cloth to your face near the area where your gum pain is occurring (not directly to your gums).
What is the best gum pain reliever?
Medicated oral gels are available on the market. These contain natural and synthetic compounds that help numb and treat gum pain. Some even include pain-numbing compounds from botanicals like clove or Spilanthes. Common over-the-counter brands include Orajel and Anbesol.
What causes gum pain?
Gum pain can also be a sign of other oral problems, such as: 1 Thrush. This oral yeast infection may include gum pain as a symptom. Talk to your doctor if you have gum pain as well as a yellowish coating on your mouth, throat, or inside of your cheeks — it may be thrush. 2 Gingivitis. This gum disease is characterized by swollen, painful gums that bleed easily. Go to your dentist if you have red, swollen, bleeding, and sore gums for over a week. 3 Periodontal disease or periodontitis. This condition follows untreated gingivitis. Head to your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing gum pain on top of red, swollen gums; gum bleeding; receding gums; tooth loss; and abscesses.
What is the best medicine for gum inflammation?
Herbal poultice. Certain herbs and spices can be turned into home remedies for gum inflammation and pain. Clove powder and Spilanthes are both analgesic (pain-relieving) herbs. They have been used as alternative oral pain relievers for a long time. An anti-inflammatory powdered herb like turmeric may also help.
How to treat gum pain from a swollen gum?
If your only symptom is gum pain, try these treatments at home: 1. Saltwater rinse. Warm 1 cup of water on the stove (not to boiling — just warm) and pour into a cool glass. Add 1 tsp. salt to the warm water and mix well. Swish the mixture in your mouth, and then spit it out into a sink when finished (don’t swallow).
What does it mean when your gums are red?
This condition follows untreated gingivitis. Head to your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing gum pain on top of red, swollen gums; gum bleeding; receding gums; tooth loss; and abscesses. If you have no other symptoms besides gum pain, try being gentler when you’re brushing or flossing your teeth.
How to stop pain in teeth?
When you’re feeling pain in your teeth, one or more of these tips may help you. Gently rinse your mouth out with salt water. Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t ever put a painkiller against your gums near the tooth that’s hurt.
How to get rid of sore gums?
You can also add oil of cloves (sometimes referred to as eugenol) that can help numb up your gums. This oil can be rubbed right on the area that’s sore or you can take a small piece of cotton, soak it in the oil, and then apply it to the sore area.
Why does flossing hurt?
Gently floss between your teeth that hurt. In some cases, the pain is caused by food particles that have been trapped between your teeth. However, doing this gently is very important or you could further hurt your gums. Try an over-the-counter antiseptic that has benzocaine as an active ingredient.
What does it mean when your teeth hurt?
Any time you feel pain in your teeth, it’s an indication that there’s something wrong. While we do want you to have some tips to try and minimize the pain, remember that we still want to see you. We can diagnose the cause for your pain and can find the right treatment method. Remember that the cause of your pain is not going to get easier or cheaper to treat. The sooner you call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161, the better off you’ll be.
Can you count on California Dental Group?
You can count on California Dental Group to work to get you in as soon as possible if you’re experiencing pain, but until you can make it here, consider these tips to treat tooth pain at home.
How to treat gum pain?
At-home treatments. The following remedies for gum pain can be tried at home. Brushing and flossing: Regular brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride and regular dental flossing are the best ways to prevent plaque buildup and dental infection.
Why do my gums hurt?
The most common cause of gum pain is inflammation of the gums or gingivitis . One of the most common causes of gingivitis is the buildup of bacteria (called plaque) on the teeth and gums leading to irritation and pain. Other causes of gingivitis include mechanical irritation, medications, nutritional deficiencies or other systemic illnesses.
Why do my gums swell?
Gum swelling, often accompanied by bleeding gums and tenderness-to-touch, is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, infections. Plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums often cause gum inflammation and there are plenty of home remedies. But you may need to see a dentist for more serious issues.
What causes gum pain?
Medications: Certain medications can cause enlargement of the gums which can lead to plaque buildup, irritation, pain, or bleeding. Calcium channel blockers, a common blood pressure medication, phenytoin (Dilantin) and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, may cause gum pain symptoms. Systemic conditions: Some chronic medical conditions ...
Why is it important to visit a dentist?
Regular dental visits: Regular visits to a dentist for hygiene are important for prevention of gingivitis, plaque buildup, and dental infections. Antibiotics: If a dental infection is causing gum pain, a doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
What are the symptoms of dry socket?
Top Symptoms: constant mouth pain, chronically bad breath, changed sense of taste, severe mouth pain, mouth pain at the site of a dental procedure. Symptoms that always occur with dry socket (postextraction alveolar osteitis): mouth pain at the site of a dental procedure, constant mouth pain.
Why does my tooth pull hurt after a tooth extraction?
Dry socket (or postextraction alveolar osteitis) is a common cause of severe pain after a dental extraction (tooth pull). It's known to be related to how the extraction was done, menstrual cycle, tobacco smoking, age, sex, and whether you have had an extraction before.
What is the best way to treat sore gums?
You’ll find other OTC products to treat sore gums at the drugstore. These include: 1 Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide (such as Gly-Oxide) 2 Gels that you apply directly to the sore gums (such as Anbesol)
What happens if you don't treat gingivitis?
If you don’t treat it, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause painful pockets of pus called abscesses. It can also lead to tooth loss. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, so it’s very important to take care of your mouth.
Why do my gums bleed?
If your gums hurt or bleed for more than a week, head for your dentist’s chair. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of the gum disease gingivitis. You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned regularly.
What is the name of the white stuff on your tongue?
Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide (such as Gly-Oxide) Gels that you apply directly to the sore gums (such as Anbesol) If your gums hurt and you have a white coating on your tongue or cheeks, you could have an infection called thrush. It’s a type of yeast infection.
How long does it take for a canker sore to go away?
They’re not contagious and usually go away in 1 to 3 weeks. Canker sores that are larger than a half-inch can be very painful and should be treated by a dentist. To ease your pain in the meantime, avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods, and follow the same home remedies above.
What causes pain in the upper teeth?
A sinus infection happens when your sinuses become swollen and infected. Sometimes, a sinus infection can cause pain in the teeth and gums. This most often occurs around the upper teeth.
How to relieve mouth pain?
You can take steps to ease mild mouth pain by taking OTC medications and using saltwater rinses.
What is the pain that can't be managed with at home care?
pain that’s severe and can’t be managed with at-home care. pain that causes difficulty with eating, drinking, or swallowing. persistent tooth or gum pain. mouth sores that are large, won’t go away, or keep coming back. an unexplained growth that doesn’t go away. white lesions inside your mouth.
What is a white rash on the back of your mouth called?
Canker sores . A canker sore is a small type of ulcer that you may notice inside your cheeks, around your tongue, or on the back of the roof of your mouth (soft palate). They often appear as white lesions with a red border. Canker sores can be triggered by many factors. Some of the most common include:
What is the pain in the tongue?
A specific type of neuralgia called glossopharyngeal neuralgia can cause bouts of severe pain that can impact the tongue. Other areas, such as the throat and tonsils, may also be affected.
How do you know if you have oral cancer?
Some of the most common symptoms of oral cancer include: painful oral lesions that won’t heal. unexplained lumps or growths in the mouth. white or red patches inside of the mouth. pain or difficulty swallowing. numbness in the lower lip, face, neck, or chin.
Why does lichen planus hurt?
It’s usually a painless condition, but in some cases irritation and ulcers may develop . What causes oral lichen planus is unknown, but it seems to be tied to an immune response. The following factors may trigger this condition: having an autoimmune disorder. medications such as NSAIDs and beta-blockers.
Why do my gums pull away from my teeth?
They usually happen when you don’t brush or floss your teeth well or often enough. You might not feel pain at this early stage. If you don’t do a better job brushing and flossing, your gum disease could get worse. Over time, your gums might start to pull away from your teeth, creating little pockets.
What happens to your gums after menopause?
Once you hit menopause, your hormone levels shift again. Your gums could bleed, change colors, burn, or hurt. Abscessed Tooth. When you have an infection by the root of your tooth, it forms a pus pocket, or abscess. These don’t always hurt, but many do. Some abscessed teeth also cause the gums to swell.
How long does it take for a canker sore to go away?
They usually show up as red splotches in the mouth, but they can have a white coating, too. There’s no special treatment for canker sores, but they tend to go away on their own within a week or two. If they don’t, see your doctor or dentist.
Why do my teeth lose their teeth?
Tiny pieces of food can get stuck in them, causing infection. This can cause the teeth to loosen or the bone holding them in place to break down, which leads to tooth loss. You may or may not feel any pain at this point.
Can you get cancer on your gums?
Oral cancer. This can start on your tongue, inner cheek, tonsils, or gums. You or your dentist may see the cancer, because it looks like a sore in your mouth that just won’t heal. It might not be painful at first. But keep an eye on it -- and any sores in your mouth or on your gums.
Can hormones cause gum pain?
It could also lead to oral cancer. If you’re a woman, hormones can affect your gums at different times in your life. During puberty, more blood flows to your gums, and they could feel swollen, tender or painful. They might also feel a little sore during your period.
Do gums hurt when you have a toothache?
But what do you do when you have problems with your gums? There are many reasons why your gums might hurt. But a lot of gum problems don’t cause pain right away.
How to heal recession in gums?
These include deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing. By removing all of the tartar and plaque from your teeth and underneath your gums, the gums can heal and tighten around the tooth again.
What are the risks of gum disease?
In addition to knowing the warning systems, it is also important to know that there are several factors that can increase your risk of gum disease. Here are some of the biggest associated risk factors: 1 Smoking . Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment. 2 Diabetes . People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections for many diseases. 3 Hormonal changes in girls/women . These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop. 4 Other illnesses and their treatments. Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer. 5 Medications . There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
Why are gums important?
Your gums also play an important role in oral health. This is because without proper care, periodontal (gum) disease can take hold, and cause tooth and even bone loss in the mouth . Symptoms pointing to gum disease commonly don’t include pain, especially early on, but that doesn't mean it's not there.
Why do teeth grow longer?
However, with advancing gum disease, your teeth can appear to be longer because the gums that surround them are receding away. Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue from around the tooth, exposing the root.
How deep should the gum line be around a tooth?
Healthy gums should fit snugly around each tooth, with the distance between the gum tissue and its attachment to the tooth only one to three millimeters in depth.
What is recession in teeth?
Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue from around the tooth, exposing the root. Receding gums becomes a health concern when the roots of the teeth become exposed, leaving the teeth at risk of decay, infection, and loss.
Why is my dentin so sensitive?
When those roots are exposed it can be quite uncomfortable and even painful because the dentin has tiny tunnels that transmit the information directly to the nerves inside your teeth. If the sensitivity becomes progressively worse, consult your dentist - it may be due to gum disease. 4. Persistent bad breath.
How to help gum disease settle?
In order for gum disease to settle, you will need to brush and floss. 3 Once your oral hygiene is in order, you can assess if the signs of gum disease are improving or not. Try to tie flossing and brushing to meal times or a time that is convenient for your schedule. Floss, then brush your teeth and tongue:
Why do my gums get so deep?
In later stage gum disease, these pockets become too deep. The problem is that it then becomes difficult to remove the food and debris by brushing and flossing. This causes the pockets to become progressively deeper and the gum disease to worsen.
What happens if you don't floss?
If you don’t floss, the plaque that causes gingivitis will destroy the fibers that attach your gum tissue to your teeth. This plaque has bacteria that cause the inflammation in your gums. With gums that bleed, there is much more to consider than just the pain or discomfort associated with the bleeding itself.
How to tell if you have bleeding gums?
Your dentist will perform an exam that is designed to measure the severity of your bleeding gums. There are some general stages of bleeding gums that you can be aware of: 1 Bleeding is seen after or during brushing. This is when you will spot red or dark spots on your brush or floss. Your goal here is to disturb plaque, so it shows you’re doing the right thing. 2 Gums begin to bleed more frequently. Instead of bleeding just on brushing, you’re now finding blood when you eat or without any stimulation at all. 3 Bleeding happens on its own, not just when brushing. Sometimes, gums will bleed with no stimulus at all. This is a sign that inflammation is progressing to more serious stages. 4 Gums begin to darken from light pink to a deeper red. This shows that more immune-regulated cells are located in the vessels. Gingivitis progresses as the immune response worsens. It signals processes that eat away at the gum tissue.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue from around the tooth, exposing the root. Measurements are taken along the outer surface of the tooth to gauge how much gum has recessed or migrated over time.
Why do my teeth look longer?
Do your teeth look like they are getting longer? Teeth that appear "long" may be due to the fact that the gums that surround them are receding away. Gum recession is a sign that gum disease is progressing. 3
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (known as periodontal disease) has serious consequences for your dental health. It’s a chronic condition that can proceed quickly in different people. In the worst cases, it results in teeth that are infected and loose and need to be removed.