Gum Pain: When To See The Dentist

Common Causes of Painful Gums

Wonder why some people, in spite of good oral hygiene practices, are still prone to suffering from gum pain. Healthy gums have a light pink hue and do not bleed easily. However, hard brushing, sometimes with a bad toothbrush, can cause bleeding or pain after prolonged usage or if you suddenly changed your toothbrush. Do you brush your teeth and still have gum pain? It does not mean that your dental condition is extremely poor. In fact, gum pain is fairly common and sometimes can be due to reasons other than hygiene.

If you have been suffering from pain in the gums for a long time now or if it is severe, you shouldn’t ignore it. Make sure if it’s not related to any habit or anything else that might be causing the pain. Gum pain may be due to a variety of conditions, from easily treatable to dangerous if long neglected.

One such cause of gum pain is yeast infection, compared to other fungal infections is easily treatable. Thrush is a sign of a yeast infection, a painful and pale white coating on the tongue and teeth. Brushing harder is not going to cure it, but rather the problem can be treated by consuming yogurt with live cultures and maintaining oral hygiene.

Another manifestation of gum pain is when thrush is accompanied by painful, white mouth ulcers with red borders, called canker sores.They start out mild and painless until the red borders appear. Small ones appear after consuming spicy, salty or acidic foods, clearing up in 1-4 weeks time. Larger sores can be extremely painful. Consult with your dentist right away, and in the meantime, avoid spicy and acidic foods.

In gingivitis, gums bleed easily without reason. Because this condition only causes bleeding and no pain, many tend to ignore it until it reaches a severe stage. Gingivitis is a highly prevalent condition in the US. According to ADA, more than three-quarters of people over the age of 35 suffer from gum diseases. Periodontitis is the severe form of gingivitis, about 5-15% of adults are affected, usually a result of neglected gingivitis. Gums can be exceptionally painful and teeth sensitive.

Hormonal changes can cause sensitive gums, particularly in women during puberty, pregnancy, menses, and menopause. These situations can lead to excess blood flow into the gums, leaving them swollen, red, and painful. Chemotherapy can produce side effects including pain in the gums, bleeding and swelling. Patients undergoing this treatment develop stomatitis which causes painful sores and ulcers in the mouth.

Gum Pain or Discomfort? Talk to our dentist in Lynnwood

Suffering from painful gums and not sure what is causing it? Come for a consult with your Lynnwood dentist. The sooner we catch the cause in its early stage, the better and healthier will your gums be.