Do your gums hurt? If so, you are not alone. We all experience gum pain at least once in our lifetime. Most of the time it is no reason to worry. However, in some cases, this may be a sign of gum disease or other health issues.
If you want to learn about what may be causing your pain and what to do about it, just keep reading. If you are in Atlanta and want to get an accurate diagnosis, our team at Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics is here to help!
Possible causes of gum pain
Gum disease
Also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, gum disease is an advanced infection of the gums. It’s caused by plaque and calculus that build up around and below the gum line. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, like weakening of the jawbone and tooth loss.
Thankfully, there are several treatments for gum disease. If you are diagnosed with periodontitis, Dr. Pumphrey will recommend one or more treatments according to the stage of your periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is gum inflammation. It precedes periodontitis and it’s considered the mildest form of gum disease. Besides gum pain, it may produce swollen gums, receding gums, and bad breath.
If you have gingivitis, this is a warning sign you should see a periodontist as soon as possible to prevent it from developing into periodontitis!
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a wide range of factors, including hormonal changes, allergies, burns, and badly fitting dental appliances. However, if you have a mouth ulcer that won’t heal, it could indicate a more serious problem, like oral cancer.
Abscess
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that develops from a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses can cause severe pain, which sometimes radiates to the neck or head.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can affect your gums, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, and other parts of your mouth.
It can manifest in many ways, including gum pain, mouth sores, patches, and lumps.
Other causes of gum pain
- Rough brushing and flossing
- Smoking
- Allergic reactions to food or dental care products
- Burns
- Hormonal changes
- Vitamin deficiency
Symptoms to watch for
Is your gum pain accompanied by any of the following symptoms? If so, it may be time to see a periodontist:
- Bleeding gums
- Redness or swelling of your gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Dry mouth
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Contact our team at Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics to get your gum pain diagnosed and treated!
How will my periodontist diagnose gum pain?
At the beginning of your appointment, you’ll go through a medical history review. This may include questions about any recent changes in your oral health and lifestyle habits. Also, your provider may ask if you have any other health concerns or conditions that could be related to your teeth and gums.
Afterward, the provider will examine your mouth to identify if there’s gum recession or bone loss. They may need you to take some x-rays, which will provide more information about what’s going on inside your mouth.
When to see a periodontist about gum pain?
Gum pain may go away by itself within a few days. But if it’s accompanied by other symptoms and they don’t go away with over-the-counter medication, you should seek proper treatment.
If you want to take care of your mouth, our team in Roswell and Midtown Atlanta can help you prevent and treat any gum disease.
Do you have questions about your gums? We’re here to answer them. Contact us today.