When you have a toothache, you are most likely to come to our offices for treatment right away. Therefore, the same should happen if you have any discomfort in your gums. There are many causes of pain in your gums, and some of them are serious oral conditions that need urgent care. These causes also vary in seriousness and level of pain; some of them include gum disease, canker sores, and an abscessed tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common cause of gum pain. The first signs of this condition include redness, swelling, and bleeding. Gum disease is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene that contributes to plaque buildup. At the early stages of gum disease, you might not experience any pain. However, if you don’t start brushing your teeth thoroughly and flossing on a regular basis, the condition will worsen. As time progresses, the gums will start pulling away from teeth and create tiny pockets. Food particles will get stuck in these pockets and cause gum disease. Furthermore, the condition can also result in the loosening of teeth due to the damage it causes to the jaw bone. If the condition advances, you could lose your tooth.
Canker Sores
Canker sores could also be the cause of gum pain. These sores appear anywhere, including your gums. They mostly appear as red splotches in your mouth and have a whitish coating. These sores mostly disappear on their own, and there is no special treatment for them. If canker sores don’t disappear within a week or two, see us immediately.
Abscessed Tooth
When there is an infection at the root of your tooth, the pain could spread to your gums. Root infections are always uncomfortable and could cause sharp pain. Some cases of abscessed teeth also lead to gum swelling. Contact our offices for more information on the causes of gum pain and discomfort.
