Gum pain that comes on suddenly, sharply, or throbbingly can be frightening. Your gums may be sore, swollen, or even bleeding one moment, and then you’re OK the next. The good news is that there is usually a fairly simple explanation for acute gum pain.
Remember, going to a dentist can solve all your dental issues.
Common Causes of Gum Pain
Your gums may feel painful all of a sudden for a number of reasons. The following are some of the most common reasons:
Early Gum Disease
One of the most frequent causes of unexpected gum pain and other gum problems is early gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, accumulates on your teeth and along the gum line, causing gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Aggressive Brushing or Flossing
We all know that maintaining proper dental hygiene is important, but using a toothbrush or flossing method too enthusiastically might harm your sensitive gums. Sawing the floss back and forth too forcefully or using a hard-bristled brush can create irritation, inflammation, and even small cuts that hurt all of a sudden.
Canker Sores
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are tiny, excruciating sores that can develop on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums. Although the precise cause isn’t always known, stress, small accidents, particular meals, or hormonal changes can all cause them.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormone levels can make gums more sensitive and more prone to pain and inflammation, especially in women going through adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Something Stuck in Your Gums
A stray bristle from your toothbrush, a wayward popcorn kernel, or even a food fragment might become stuck between your teeth and gums, creating acute, localized discomfort and irritation.
How Do You Treat Abrupt Gum Pain?
Here are some things that you may do to control gum pain:
- Rinse with salt water for 30 seconds.
- Look closely at the sore spot to check for any food fragments or foreign objects stuck in your gums.
- If there is swelling, you can lessen the discomfort and reduce inflammation by placing a cold compress on the outside of your face close to the sore spot.
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are mild over-the-counter pain medicines that can help control pain and lower inflammation.
- Examine your oral hygiene routine and see whether you’ve recently switched dental products or been brushing or flossing too much.
When to See a Dentist?
While the above-mentioned tips may help you relieve pain, you must visit a dentist to discover the cause of your discomfort. Here’s when it is necessary to visit a dentist:
- Significant pain that doesn’t go away in a few days
- Loose teeth
- Chronic foul breath
- Fever
- Pus or swelling
- Gum bleeding that is difficult to stop
Ending Note!
Gum soreness is a common occurrence for most people. However, it doesn’t imply it should be disregarded just because it’s frequent. Your painful gums are probably trying to send you a message. Visit our expert dentist, Dr. Omad Chaudhary, FICOI, at Enhance Dental at Heritage.
With more than seven years of experience, you can rely on him to find the solution to all your troubles. Call us at (919) 569-5719 to connect with us.