Why Do My Gums Hurt?

There are many factors that can cause your gums to hurt, some of them minor and some serious. You can visit a periodontist to determine why you have painful gums. Here are some reasons why your gums might be hurting:

1. Gum Disease
   Periodontitis, or gum disease, has a few indications, including gum pain. You will also notice bleeding, swelling, redness, and other symptoms if you have this condition. It can happen due to poor oral hygiene and other factors. You will need to visit a periodontist immediately if you suspect gum disease. The specialist will proceed with proper periodontal disease treatment, depending on the stage and more.
2. Hormonal Changes
   You will go through hormonal changes at different times in your life. Puberty comes with increased blood flow to the gums, which can make them feel tender, swollen, or painful.

   You might notice gum pain during menstrual periods as well. Pregnancy, too, causes the hormonal levels to surge, affecting your gums. You should consult a doctor if your gums are bleeding or hurting. If you have hit menopause, it can cause a shift in your hormonal levels, leading to bleeding, hurt, burning, and other symptoms in your gums.

3. Abscessed Tooth
   Infection by the root of your tooth can form a pus pocket or an abscess, which can hurt sometimes. In some cases, the abscessed tooth can cause swelling in the gums. If you have painful or swollen gums, talk to a periodontist. Infected teeth require prompt dental attention, and if you visit the dentist in time, they might be able to save your tooth with a root canal.
4. Oral Cancer
   Oral cancer can start on your gums, cheeks, tonsils, etc. It may appear as a sore in your mouth that refuses to heal, and usually, the sore is not painful at first. You should keep an eye out for any sores in your mouth and visit a dental specialist if you spot one.
5. Dentures & Partials
   If your dentures and partials do not fit properly, they can irritate your gums. They will cause constant irritation, leading to tissue damage and gum disease. You can consult your dentist so they can adjust dentures or partials and eliminate the pain in your gums.

Keep your gums healthy by maintaining proper oral care, including regular brushing and flossing. You might also want to stop smoking in order to maintain healthy gums and improve your overall health. Other than this, avoid a sugar-rich diet. Talk to a periodontist to see what you can do to improve your oral health!