In many cases, gum pain is a temporary and isolated situation that can go away on its own. Gum pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, however, may indicate underlying conditions.
Symptoms That May Accompany Gum Pain
A faulty brushing technique or ill-fitting dentures may lead to sore gums that generally don’t show up with other symptoms. However, you may need to be wary if you experience gum pain in conjunction with one or more of these symptoms (1):
Bad breath Bleeding from the gums Purplish-red or bright-red color in the gums Increased sensitivity or tenderness Painful mouth sores or ulcers Receding gums Swollen gums
The trick to finding out how to make your gums stop hurting lies in paying attention to these symptoms which can tell you what is causing your gum pain. So, let’s head on to explore some of the common causes behind sore gums.
What Causes Gum Pain?
Canker Sores
Canker sores are open ulcers that look like red patches with or without a white coating. They may develop anywhere in your mouth, including your gums. This is generally not a serious condition and they tend to clear up on their own (2).
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that has characteristic symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums that may become progressively painful. Poor dental hygiene is known to be a leading cause of gingivitis. Untreated or unchecked gingivitis can give way to periodontitis which involves swollen, painful gums pulling away and receding from the sides of teeth. Periodontitis can lead to infections and more serious health conditions, so this requires professional medical attention (1).
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in ovarian hormones may lead to your gums being swollen, tender, and painful from increased blood flow. It may also increase your risk of gingivitis. Puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and starting on oral contraceptives may cause hormonal changes leading to sore gums (3).
Tooth Abscess
A pocket of pus or an abscess may sometimes form because of an infection at the root of a tooth. These abscesses may lead to swelling and pain in the gums. A tooth abscess needs to be treated, generally by means of a root canal (4).
Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco on a regular basis may lead to sores in the mouth. These sores may be located on the gums and cause pain. Smokers and tobacco users are also at high risk of developing gum diseases or oral cancer (5).
Oral Cancer
A sore in the mouth that does not seem to heal may be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer may appear as a painful or painless sore on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils (6). While in a few cases gum pain may need medical attention, most of the time you can apply some sore gum treatments at home to get relief.
Home Remedies For Gum Pain
Mouth Rinse With Saltwater
A warm salt-water rinse is traditionally used to promote oral health. Modern research suggests that it may help to speed up oral wound healing (7). What you need to do is described in the following steps:
Apply Hot Or Cold Compress
You may be able to tackle lower or upper gum pain by using a cold compress. The reduction in temperature can help with inflammation and block the sensation of pain. The use of a cold compress to treat pain has been practiced since ancient times and is often recommended by dentists after major oral surgeries (8). Simply follow the steps as described below:
Apply A Poultice Or Paste With Herbs And Spices
Both turmeric and clove are readily available in most kitchens and can be used for pain relief associated with gum infection. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial spice that has a wide range of benefits for oral and dental health (9). Cloves are also considered to be a strong antibacterial spice with proven benefits against gum disease (10).
Topically Apply Used Teabags
Green tea is considered to be effective in promoting gum health as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (11). Follow the steps to use tea bags for quick relief from gum pain.
Over The Counter Medicines
You can opt for medicated oral gels which contain natural or synthetic components that can help numb gum pain if you want quick relief. Some commonly used brands include Anbesol and Orajel. You can also take painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. It should be noted that frequent or long-term use of these medications may have adverse side effects. If you think that your gum pain is not resolving, contact your dentist (12). Even with home remedies, some cases of gum pain may linger for a while. It is important that you know which instances of gum pain are nothing to worry about, and which require quick medical attention.
When To See A Dentist
You need to visit your dentist if you experience any of the following:
Pain that does not seem to go away. Pain that is severe. Sores on the gum that do not heal in two weeks. Swelling that seems to get worse. Loose teeth around your gums. Fever that accompanies gum pain. Difficulty in sleeping or eating.
Gum pain can impair your day-to-day functioning and require visits to the dentist. You can save yourself the trouble by taking a few simple measures that can lower your chances of ending up with aching gums.
Preventing Gum Pain
You can definitely take care of certain things to reduce your chances of getting sore gums, like:
Brush your teeth twice a day following the proper brushing technique. Use a brush with soft bristles. Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything. Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking. Maintain the hygiene of your dental devices and wear them properly. Add probiotics like yogurt or kefir and foods with anti-inflammatory properties like ginger and turmeric to your diet.
To put it briefly, gum pain is a highly preventable and manageable condition. Maintaining good oral hygiene and using proper brushing techniques can go a long way. If you do end up with an aching gum, simple home remedies for gum pain can help you get rid of it. In rare cases, gum pain may be indicative of a serious health concern and will require prompt medical attention. Can I rub salt on my gums? Yes. You can try rubbing salt on your gums to reduce inflammation. However, it is better to use a saltwater solution as it is an effective home remedy for gum infections. Does baking soda help gum infection? Yes, baking soda can help kill bacteria and reduce gum infection (13). Is rubbing coconut oil on gums good? Yes, rubbing coconut oil on gums may help treat gum infections and decrease plaque buildup (14).
