If you wake up every day with sore gums, there can be an underlying cause for it, as nothing in the world happens without a reason.

Normally, when the gums have inflammation and bulge out, it can be a sign of periodontitis or Gingivitis.

Sometimes, the problem of sore gums resolves on its own. But if the symptoms last more than a week or two, you should visit a doctor for an inspection.

By catching the cause of sore gums, you can get rid of it because it worsens.

To tackle this concern, we have dedicated this blog to addressing sore gums in detail.

So, let’s get going.

What Does Sore Gums Feel Like

Sore gums can be very painful. You feel discomfort while having acidic, spicy, and hot food.

Gum recession and sensitivity may occasionally coexist with the other issues.

Another significant sign of sore gums is bleeding that you notice while brushing or flossing teeth.

9 Causes of Sore Gums

There are four primary reasons why you can experience sore gums.

1.Various Oral Infections

Dietary deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, dry mouth, autoimmune or hereditary illnesses, and compromised immune systems can all lead to oral infections that cause sore gums.

Intraoral bacteria infiltrating the supporting tissues or tooth structure are the most common cause of dental infections.

These microorganisms produce pulp irritation by dissolving enamel.

Dental abscess formation may result from periodontal tissue infection, inadequate root canal therapy, or caries.

When these infections are severe, the mouth and neck area may enlarge. Also, you experience sore gums, too.

The mucous membrane, a soft tissue coating, is often damaged by non-dental illnesses. Usually, bacteria, fungi, or viruses are the culprits.

Oral candidiasis is a problem that arises because of fungal overgrowth. And the main reason for it is a compromised immune system.

2.Mouth Ulcers

Canker sores, often known as mouth ulcers, are the cause of sore gums.

These excruciating sores may have a whitish center with red margins and can appear anywhere inside the mouth, even on the gums.

One canker sore may occur in a single spot on your gums at a time, or you may experience several sores all over your mouth at once.

Although the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, researchers believe that bacteria or viruses may be involved.

That said, canker sore-related gum disease may be more common in people with specific autoimmune illnesses. Canker sores recur over time, so you need to see a doctor without delay.

3.Bad Oral Hygiene

Not taking care of your oral health is also a factor that gives rise to sore gums.

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as brushing and flossing too vigorously. It's true that brushing is the greatest method to stay clean, but doing it with added force can cause sore gums.

To achieve the same results as coarse bristles, consider investing in a new toothbrush with softer bristles.

The American Dental Association suggests using softer brushes for your comfort and hygiene.

4.Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body produces higher amounts of several hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

These may make you more susceptible to oral health issues or sore gums.

Besides that, certain foods may be consumed in greater quantities during pregnancy than they were before.

The types of food you consume may contribute to sore gums. They eat foods that can damage their teeth when pregnant, such as a lot of ice or anything that makes them sensitive.

You may complain about sore gums if you've stopped flossing and brushing your teeth since becoming pregnant. Some pregnant women may experience nausea from brushing and flossing.

5.Allergic Reactions

If you're allergic to a particular meal or dental hygiene product, you may experience sore gums.

Although it can be challenging to identify, toothpaste allergies are a plausible explanation for sore gums.

Gum pain or sensitivity may also be related to an unidentified food allergy.

If you think that a specific ingredient may be causing the allergy, cease its consumption for a time period.

In this manner, you'll be able to identify the source of your gum pain.

During this period, pay attention to how your gums feel so you can determine if to rule out any other potential reasons.

6.Malnutrition

Poor nutrition can be a cause of sore gums.

Malnutrition affects the ability to chew and swallow food. Later on, you begin to have oral health problems.

When vitamins and minerals are consumed through food, the mouth serves as the body's entry point for these vital micronutrients.

For these vital micronutrients to be properly absorbed and digested by your body, you must properly chew and masticate your food.

Once ingested, these nutrients support and shield your gums and teeth from harm so they can keep functioning correctly.

Hence, it is safe to say that nutrition and oral health are closely related.

So, if you don’t have signs of infections and your oral hygiene is great too, your diet may be the reason behind sore gums.

7.Gum Disease

Over time, gum infections are typically the result of poor dental hygiene, which can allow bacteria to proliferate freely between the gums and teeth.

Gum disease is the cause of discomfort, irritation, and sore gums.

Gingivitis can progress into a more severe stage of periodontal disease if treatment is not received.

Approximately half of adult Americans have had some form of gum disease over the last ten years.

If gingivitis is identified early on and treated, you can eliminate symptoms by starting a regular brushing and flossing regimen.

For added dental hygiene, your dentist may recommend a medicated mouthwash.

8.Habitual Smoking

Smoking raises your risk of developing sore gums and has been linked to gum disease.

Tobacco affects the gum tissue's ability to adhere to bone and modifies the function of the gum tissue cells.

The roots below become visible as a result of the gums pulling away. One of the first problems is that smokers begin to feel more sensitive teeth, and after that comes sore gums.

9.Overburdening Yourself With Stress

Stress causes your body to produce more cortisol, which increases the risk of inflammation all over your body.

Other than that, Regarding your oral health, this might be very problematic.

Stress weakens your immune system, which gives the bad bacteria in your mouth a chance to wreak havoc on your gums.

If you want to avoid sore gums, try to lessen your stress.

What Causes Swollen Gums Around One Tooth

If you are experiencing swollen gums around one tooth, these may be the reasons:

1.Trapped Food Particles

If you see swelling only around one tooth in your mouth, it can be the result of food particles getting trapped beneath your gum line.

Furthermore, it can lead to inflammation and decay.

The swelling may reduce if you brush and floss to remove the particles as soon as possible.

We suggest contacting a dentist if you are still unable to find a solution for sore gums on your own after trying for a few days.

2.Abscessed Tooth

A tiny sac of pus in your gums brought on by a bacterial infection is known as an abscessed tooth.

Tooth decay, or a broken or fractured tooth, is the most common cause of bacteria entering the blood vessels and nerves in the pulp of your tooth.

A fever, swelling jaw or cheek, throbbing pain, red or sore gums, aching or tender teeth, and even a salty taste in your mouth are telltale signs.

If you suspect an abscessed tooth, get treatment from your dentist as soon as possible. The infection may spread and result in grave consequences.

Additional Causes of Swollen Gums Around One Tooth

If a dental appliance is not properly attached.
Various fungal and viral infections
Sensitivity to a specific ingredient in oral hygiene products.

What are the Treatment Options For Sore Gums

If you have sore gums, this is what to expect in the phases of treatment:

Complete dental care may include X-rays to check for bone loss.

Your dentist may also inquire about your current diet and whether you are pregnant.

It may be necessary to do blood tests to check for infections. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or medicated rinses depending on the cause of your sore gums.

You may even require surgery if your gingivitis is very bad.

Root planning and scaling is a common type of therapy. The dentist must remove tartar, calculus, and unhealthy gum tissue from the tooth roots in order to encourage the healing of the remaining gums.

At-Home Treatments to Manage Sore Gums

To take care of sore gums without a dentist, here are some useful tips:

Use sensitivity toothpaste twice a day
Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles
At least once a day, floss
Regularly visit the dentist
Maintain a balanced diet

FAQs

How much time do sore gums take to heal?

It should take about ten days for the issue to fully heal, depending on what caused it and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. In a few days, you can also witness tremendous healing, if not a complete recovery.

How can sore gums heal rapidly?

You can continue brushing softly with a toothbrush that has softer bristles, rinse your mouth with salt water, and take over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can salt water help with swollen gums around one tooth?

Rinsing your mouth with salt water helps eliminate bacteria because salt can dissolve plaque, helping with soreness.

The Bottom Line

These are all the potential causes and treatments for sore gums. If your gums appear red and puffy, keep in mind that it is a very common problem.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can take it lightly. Whenever you experience it, make sure you see the dentist for an examination and get the right treatment at the right time.

With that, invest time and money in good oral hygiene practices to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Sore Gums: Causes & When To Seek Professional Help