Have your gums become sore and inflamed recently? This is a very common oral health issue that should be looked at by a trained periodontist as promptly as possible. But before you set up your appointment, you may find yourself wondering what led to this problem in the first place. Below is a quick look at the possible causes of sore, inflamed gums as well as how they can be treated.
What Does Having Sore, Inflamed Gums Mean?
If your gums are sore and inflamed, there’s a good chance that you have gum disease. This is an infection of the gum tissue that can occur when plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate. The longer gum disease goes untreated, the more severe it can get; in its most advanced stages, it can even lead to tooth loss.
Of course, gum disease is not the only possible explanation for sore, inflamed gums. Other potential causes include:
- Brushing too vigorously.
- Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
- Certain medical conditions, such as oral thrush.
What Can You Do to Address Sore, Inflamed Gums?
The correct treatment for sore, inflamed gums depends on what’s causing your symptoms. For instance, if your periodontist determines that you have gum disease, they may recommend scaling and root planing to treat it. Scaling involves thoroughly removing plaque and tartar from around and below the gumline. Meanwhile, root planing is when the tooth roots are smoothed out, which makes it easier for the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
In addition to seeking professional treatment, you can also take a few simple steps at home to care for sore, inflamed gum tissue. It often helps to:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing two times a day.
- Hold a cold compress over the affected area for 15 minutes at a time in order to reduce swelling.
- Rinse with salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Adjust your diet so that it contains more foods that promote gum health, such as oranges, leafy greens, and fatty fish.
It’s essential to take the appropriate steps to address sore, inflamed gums as quickly as you can. If you ignore the issue, it will likely continue to grow worse. But if you act quickly to get the care you need, you can relieve your uncomfortable symptoms and get your oral health back on track.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a well-respected member of the periodontology community who holds membership with the American Academy of Periodontology and various other organizations. He has helped many patients get their gum disease under control with thorough scaling and root planing. If you’re concerned about sore or inflamed gums, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
