Sore, swollen gums can be an uncomfortable situation. And finding the exact cause isn’t always the easiest. Here is what you should do if your gums are hurting you.
Possible Causes
There are a number of different causes for sore gums:
• Injury. You may have irritated the tissue with a rough food, like potato chips.
• Medications. Certain types of medications can cause your gums to swell and feel tender.
• Vitamin deficiency. Vitamin C, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, is a natural anti-inflammatory. If you have been neglecting eating your fruits and veggies, your gums may be suffering.
• Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Plaque causes your gums to become inflamed, which can make them sore.
Take a Look
One of the first things you can do when your gums start to hurt is to take a closer look in the mirror. Check for signs of tissue irritation, such as a scratch or lesion. Enlist the help of someone else if you cannot check well enough on your own. If you are on any new medications, check to see what the side effects are as well.
Rinse with Salt Water
A salt water solution is a great home remedy for dealing with tender, swollen gums. Salt helps to pull excess fluid that is causing the inflammation, therefore alleviating pain. The solution also helps to kill harmful bacteria.
Change Your Diet
Take a look at what you’ve been eating lately. If you note a lack of fruits and vegetables, try adding some back into your diet to see if you notice a change.
Check Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing twice a day and flossing is essential to keeping gingivitis at bay. If you have been slacking off lately, you may indeed be dealing with the early stages of gum disease. Get back into a regular oral hygiene routine.
Call Your Dentist
If your gums are still hurting even after taking all of the steps to alleviate pain and swelling at home, it’s time to call your dentist. Prolonged pain can point to something serious, and you should have it checked out right away.
The health of your mouth is important to the health of the rest of your body. Contact our office right away if you have any concerns.
