5 Easy Ways to Heal Sore Gums
Most people experience sore gums in their lifetime. Identifying the cause of gum irritants in the mouth will help find the best way to feel relief and prevent future complications. With the help of your dental professionals, healing the gums is easily achievable.
This article will outline the symptoms of sore gums, the common causes, and the best ways to achieve pain relief and healing.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Sore Gums
There are many different reasons why people experience sore gums. Some of the most common symptoms of sore gums are:
- Gums that bleed easily when touched
- Swollen gums that appear red and irritated
- Gums that are tender and sensitive
- A feeling of itching and irritation of the gums
- Slight tooth sensitivity when chewing
- A feeling of pressure that may not go away
Common Causes of Sore Gums
It is very common to have sensitive gums at certain times throughout life. Irritated gums can be caused by a number of different reasons with different levels of urgency. Common causes of sore gums in the mouth are:
- Gum Disease: Gingivitis and gum disease are common sources of sore gums. If the food, plaque, and bacteria aren’t removed properly every day, then the gum tissue becomes irritated. Our Treating Gum Disease Guide has more information on the disease.
- Stuck Food: When food is trapped between the teeth and in the gum pocket, inflammation and sore gums can occur.
- Trauma: The gum tissue can be easily irritated by other objects. Hot foods can burn the gums and hard foods can scrape the gums. Other common things that can trauma the gums are toothpicks, flossing too hard, and chewing on objects.
- Brushing Too Hard: Gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush should always be used when brushing the teeth. Rough brushing habits can beat up the gums and lead to recession. For additional information on gum health, check out How to Stop Bleeding Gums From Brushing.
- Sores and Ulcers: A common reason for sore gums are canker sores, herpetic ulcers, or lichen planus. These can appear on the gums for different reasons and calm down with time.
- Tooth Abscess: When an infection of the tooth occurs, a pimple-like abscess can appear on the gums. This can cause pressure and sensitivity.
Relieving Gum Discomfort: Sore Gums Home Remedy
In some cases, healing your gums may take up to a couple of weeks. It’s best to give your dentist a call and see if they think you should come in for an appointment.
In the mean time, if you are looking for fast relief of uncomfortable gums, then try these home remedies:
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing
- Avoid chewing on that side if possible
- Warm salt water rinses can help soothe
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as instructed on the bottle. Consult your doctor.
- Keep the mouth hydrated with frequent sips of water throughout the day.
5 Easy Ways to Heal Sore Gums
Healing sore gums is achievable for everyone. Good oral hygiene habits while working with your dental professionals can achieve long-term relief. Although the pain can be very uncomfortable, understand that pain relief is absolutely attainable.
Here are 5 easy ways to heal sore gums:
- Good Brushing Habits: It is important to brush at least 2 times a day for a full 2 minutes. Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle strokes against the teeth and gums. To learn more about how an electric toothbrush can help keep your mouth healthy, check out our article Electric Toothbrush Benefits.
- Gentle and Consistent Flossing: Brushing only takes care of two-thirds of the tooth’s surface. Flossing daily is very important in keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Our article How to Heal Bleeding Gums When Flossing has more flossing tips.
- Practicing Good Dental Nutrition: The food you eat is equally as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to keeping your gums healthy. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fermentable carbohydrates like sweets, crackers, chips, and packaged bread. Our article Best Food for Good Oral Health offers further recommendations.
- Getting Frequent Dental Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings should be done at least every 6 months. Your dental hygienist will skillfully remove what has built up over time in the gum pockets.
- Getting Any Other Necessary Dental Treatments: If your sore gums are still present, there may be some dental work needed to heal the gums. Your dentist can help treat any infections in the teeth or gums.
Healing your gum pain and finding relief is achievable by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist frequently. If you are experiencing gum pain, call your dentist and see if they think you should come in for an appointment, then try our above listed home remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do sore gums last?
The time it takes for gums to heal depends on what the source is that is causing the soreness. Trapped food can heal up within 1-2 days when removed and cleaned properly. More serious reasons for sore gums like an abscess will need the infection treated with antibiotics and dental treatment before relief is achieved.
What do inflamed gums look like?
Healthy gums will be pink in color in the shape of flat pink triangles between the teeth. Inflamed gums will turn darker in color with a swollen, rounded appearance. In most cases, they will be sensitive to touch and bleed.
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