What Causes Gum Pain and How to Treat It
- Diş Hekimi Musa Karaca
- September 27, 2024
- Blogs
- 0 Comments
What Causes Gum Pain and How to Treat It
Gum pain is one of the most common problems in oral health and is usually manifested by discomfort felt around the teeth. This pain can range from mild tenderness to unbearably severe pain. The most common causes of gum pain include infections, inflammation, gum recession, and improper oral hygiene practices. In particular, plaque accumulation can cause irritation and inflammation in the gum tissue, causing pain in this area over time.
Poor oral care habits, such as incorrect or inadequate tooth brushing and neglecting dental floss, can also negatively affect gum health. Gum pain is not just a local discomfort; If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, osteoporosis and even systemic problems such as heart diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect gum health and to intervene in time when pain is felt.
Why Do Gums Pain?
Gum pain has many common causes and is often directly related to oral health. One of the most common causes is inflammation of the gums, that is, gingivitis. Gingivitis causes swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums; It often occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene and, if left untreated, can develop into a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the supporting tissues of the teeth, can cause tooth loss, and causes severe pain by causing gums to recede and tooth roots to be exposed.
Gum recession develops when the gums move away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots, which causes sensitivity and pain in the teeth. Harsh brushing, gum disease, and aging are the most common contributing factors to this condition. Additionally, incorrect tooth brushing techniques can cause irritation and gum recession when too much pressure is applied to the gums. Intraoral injuries, such as blows to the gums, accidental biting of the cheeks, or sharp edges of the teeth, can also cause sensitivity and pain in the gums.
Dental tartar forms when plaque hardens over time and puts pressure on the gum line, causing inflammation and pain; When not cleaned, it paves the way for serious gum diseases. In addition, some viral and bacterial infections can also cause gum pain. For example, the herpes virus can create sores inside the mouth and cause sore gums.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is the habit of clenching the teeth during the night or under stress, and while this creates pressure and pain on the gums, it can also cause tooth wear and gum recession. Finally, improperly made dentures or braces can also cause pain in the gums; Incompatibility of dentures or braces can cause irritation in the gums, and such pain can be prevented by regular checking of these devices.
Symptoms of Gum Pain
Gum pain is a disorder that is usually manifested by various symptoms, and these symptoms give early signals that there is a problem in gum health. One of the first symptoms noticed is swelling and redness of the gums. This indicates inflammation of the gum tissue and is often a sign of infection. At the same time, bleeding gums can frequently occur while brushing teeth or using dental floss.
Gums, when healthy, do not bleed during such procedures; Therefore, bleeding may be a sign of underlying gum disease. Sensitivity and pain in the gums are also common symptoms; These pains may become more pronounced, especially when eating or being exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks.
This disorder may also be accompanied by bad breath, because gum diseases are usually caused by bacterial infections and these bacteria cause bad odor. In more advanced stages, gum recession may occur; As the gums recede, the tooth roots are exposed, causing more sensitivity and pain in the teeth.
Additionally, a feeling of looseness or loosening of the teeth may also be a sign of deteriorating gum health. As gum disease progresses, the supporting tissues of the teeth become damaged, making it difficult for the teeth to remain fixed in place.
Medical Treatment Methods for Gum Pain
Treatment of gum pain varies depending on the cause of the pain. Dentists use various treatment methods to eliminate gum problems. Here are some medical methods used to treat gum pain:
- Dental Stone Cleaning (Determination): If the cause of gum pain is plaque and tartar accumulation, the dentist removes these accumulations by performing professional teeth cleaning. The determination process reduces gingivitis and ensures healthy healing of the gums.
- Antibiotic Treatment: When pain occurs due to gum infections, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics relieve gum pain by controlling bacterial infections.
- Curettage: Curettage is a procedure performed to clean deep plaque and tartar under the gums. This process stops the progression of gum disease and restores gum health.
- Gum Surgery: In advanced gum diseases, gum surgery may be required. These surgeries are performed to repair gums and bone tissue. Regular care is essential to maintain gum health after surgery.
- Dentures or Braces Adjustments: If dentures or braces are the cause of gum pain, your dentist can ensure that these devices are adjusted appropriately.
Natural Pain Relief Methods
There are also some natural solutions that can be applied at home to relieve gum pain and soothe the gums. These methods may temporarily relieve the pain, but it is necessary to consult a dentist for a permanent solution. Here are some natural solutions that are good for gum pain:
- Gargle with Salt Water: Salt water is an effective method to relieve gingivitis and pain. You can gargle several times a day by adding a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.
- Gargle with Sage: Sage is a natural herb with anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing effect on the gums. You can gargle by brewing sage tea and cooling it.
- Clove Oil: Clove oil is a natural product with pain-relieving properties. You can drop a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the sore gums.
- Ice Application: If there is swelling and pain in the gums, you can relieve the pain by applying a cold compress. Wrapping ice in a towel and applying it directly to the painful area reduces swelling and numbs the nerves, providing temporary relief.
- Rinsing with Coconut Oil (Oil Pulling): Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial substance that helps eliminate bacteria in the mouth. Rinsing your mouth with a tablespoon of coconut oil for a few minutes can relieve gingivitis.
How Do We Protect Our Gum Health?
It is very important to take care of oral hygiene to maintain gum health and prevent gum pain. First, regular brushing and flossing is one of the most effective ways to maintain gum health. You can prevent plaque accumulation by brushing your teeth twice a day and using dental floss, thus preventing gingivitis and other gum diseases.Additionally, regular dentist check-ups also play a critical role; By having your teeth and gums checked regularly, you can detect and treat possible problems at an early stage. Healthy nutrition is also an important part of maintaining oral health. You can prevent damage to your gums by avoiding especially sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Additionally, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption is extremely important for gum health. These harmful habits can lead to inflammation and recession of the gums, so quitting will be an effective step to protect your gum health.
Related Posts
