Do you have pain in your gums? It could be the result of a new toothbrush, a sensitive tooth, or an infection. But it could also be something more serious. In fact, if you notice any kind of discomfort in your gums, then it’s best to see your dentist right away.
If your gums are causing you pain, there’s likely a problem.
It’s easy to brush off a little bit of pain as just an odd occurrence, but gum pain is often the first sign of a larger issue.
If your gums are red, swollen, sore, and/or bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gum disease.
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth and underneath the gums.
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the surfaces of our teeth when we don’t brush them properly or frequently enough. When plaque isn’t removed from our mouths regularly, it can harden into tartar and cause bacteria to grow in our mouths – leading to gum disease.
There are two types of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis is gum inflammation and usually occurs before periodontitis. When caught early, gingivitis can be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of dental disease.
Symptoms of gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. The main symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums.
Other symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Plaque buildup on the surface of teeth and gums.
- Bad breath.
- Receding gums.
How to prevent gingivitis:
- Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time using an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss before brushing, at least once in the morning and once before bed.
- Regularly visit the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings.
If it is not treated, gingivitis can result in periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis or “periodontal disease.”
Symptoms of periodontitis:
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can destroy the bone around teeth, leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in American adults and can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeing a dentist regularly.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissues.
- Gums that pull away from your teeth.
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Changes in the natural bite alignment.
- Persistent bad breath.
How to prevent periodontitis:
Like gingivitis, you can prevent periodontitis with regular dentist visits, professional cleanings, brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Early treatment can prevent long-term damage.
If you are experiencing sore gums, it’s important to see a dentist right away. The sooner treatment is begun, the better your results will be. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
Our team is at hand to help if you are experiencing sore gums. We will take the time to determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatments that will get you back on track for healthy teeth and gums. If you have any questions about sore gums or other oral health issues, feel free to contact us today.