What makes gums sore

Canker sores — also known as mouth ulcers — are painful, noncontagious sores that appear on the gums and elsewhere in the mouth. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop canker sores. There is no specific medical recommendation for treating canker sores. They have a tendency to disappear within 14 days. If a mouth ulcer lasts for more than three weeks, consult with your dentist. Smoking tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars can damage your gums. Using smokeless tobacco — such as chewing tobacco or snuff — can cause even more harm.

If you use tobacco , this could be why your gums are hurting. To improve your gum health, stop using tobacco products. Not only do they damage the gums, but they can also cause cancer. Some people have allergic reactions to the ingredients in toothpaste , mouthwash, and other oral hygiene products.

This could be the reason why your gums hurt. If you think you might be allergic to a dental hygiene product, try to find out which is responsible for the reaction: Simply eliminate one product at a time to identify the one causing the symptom. Once you identify the product, discontinue using it. An elimination diet may help you identify what food allergy is hurting your gums. To try this diet, stop eating a certain food for 30 days and then reintroduce it to see what happens.

A quicker way to determine which food or other substance is triggering a reaction is to meet with an allergist.

They can help you identify the cause of your reaction and recommend treatment, which will likely include avoidance. Sometimes you can burn your gums on hot foods like pizza or coffee and forget about the incident. Later, the burned area feels painful. For many women, changes in hormones can affect their gums at different times of their lives, including:. If you notice gum pain associated with one of these hormonal events, have your dentist review your situation and recommend treatment.

An infection next to the root of a tooth can form an abscess. This can result in sore, swollen gums that hurt. Often a root canal procedure is required. That constant irritation can lead to tissue damage and gum disease. You can work with your dentist to adjust the fit of your dentures or partials and eliminate gum pain. After menopause, you may notice things like:. Saliva is responsible for moistening your mouth and removing toxins and bacteria produced by plaque.

Not having enough saliva in your mouth can increase your risk of developing periodontitis. It can also increase the sensitivity of your gums, causing soreness and inflammation. If your mouth feels dry, try sucking on an ice cube or sugar-free hard candy to increase moisture in your mouth. You can also try using a mouthwash or spray designed to treat mouth dryness.

Canker sores are small sores that can develop on or under your tongue, on the inside of your lips and cheeks, and at the base of your gums.

They look like small white dots and tend to feel very tender. Canker sores can appear on their own or in small clusters. Most canker sores go away on their own within a few days.

In the meantime, you can try applying an oral analgesic to temporarily numb the area and relieve pain. Dental appliances, such as braces, dentures, retainers, and mouthguards , can all cause gum irritation.

In addition to sore gums, you might also notice marks or imprints on your gums left by the device. Gum irritation can also be caused by chemicals in the products you use to clean or apply your dental appliance. Try switching to a different cleaning solution or adhesive to see if your symptoms improve. Sore gums are not something you want to ignore. Gingivitis and periodontitis are treatable when caught early. The longer these conditions go untreated, the more you risk permanent damage.

Healthy gums are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. But what are the best ways to keep your gums healthy, besides brushing and flossing? Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontitis and can be treated and managed with oral care. Periodontitis requires more intervention and…. Swollen gums are a common occurrence when you're new to braces, but it could be also be a sign of gum disease. Gum pain is an annoying issue that happens for a number of reasons.

Read on for remedies that can provide quick relief from gum pain. New research finds gum disease aka periodontitis or periodontal disease was linked to a higher rate of strokes caused by hardening of large arteries…. Gum contouring is a type of dental surgery that involves reshaping the gumline. We all have plaque on our teeth. It's a group of bacteria that lives in your mouth and forms between brushings.

The best way to keep plaque in check…. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, which may impair healing and lead to discomfort. It is advisable for people with severe, persistent, or recurring gum pain to see a dentist for a checkup. A dentist can examine the gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of infection, tooth decay, and other dental issues. A person may also want to consider seeing a dentist if the pain occurs alongside any of the following symptoms:.

There are many possible causes of gum pain, including gum disease, infections, abscesses, and ulcers. People with gum pain they cannot explain may wish to consider seeing a dentist for a checkup. Without treatment, some causes of gum pain can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.

Home remedies for gum pain include applying clove oil to gums, rinsing the mouth with salt water, and avoiding irritating foods. Canker sores occur in the mouth and are easily identifiable but not serious.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth, this is called plaque. A dental or tooth abscess is a buildup of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums. An abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection that is often…. What is the secret to teeth and gum care?

Correct brushing and flossing, knowing which foods and drinks to eat and to avoid, and attending regular…. Gingivitis is a condition that affects the gums. Learn about four home remedies for gingivitis, how to take them safely, and how to prevent gingivitis. What can cause gum pain?