Experiencing oral pain is never fun. Sometimes, it’s your teeth that might give you discomfort. Other times, it’s sore gums that can lead to a lot of achy frustration. But why might your gum pain be isolated to one area of your mouth, and is there a difference between having both gum and tooth pain vs. gum pain alone?
We’re going to talk about all things gum pain, including some possible causes for your sore gums. We’ll also discuss ways to deal with gum swelling and things you can do to find fast pain relief when you need it.
Why Do My Gums Hurt?
You might experience gum pain because of plaque buildup that accumulates around, under, and in between the gums. This plaque can harden (tartar) over time, which may contribute to gum diseases like gingivitis—which is a frequent reason for swollen gums.
So, your gum pain could be from plaque buildup causing inflammation and soreness. However, swelling and soreness do not always correlate with gum disease. Many people deal with gum pain, and there are several other potential causes you should consider.
Why Do My Gums Hurt in One Spot?
Gum soreness in one spot, or localized gum pain, may come from a food particle or foreign object trapped in your gums. You have a canker sore to blame if small lesions in the gum accompany the soreness. Localized gum pain can also happen if you chew tobacco in the same spot over and over.
Causes of Sore Gums
It can feel unsettling to suddenly have gum pain and wonder whether you have tooth decay or gum disease. But while those two things are causes for red and swollen gums, they are not the only reasons you may have pain or sensitivity.
Gum Disease
You may have heard of gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that occurs when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up on the teeth and cause infection. It can cause redness, swelling, and sensitivity on and around the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease that can cause swelling and possibly some loss of function in your jaw.
While all these things sound severe, gingivitis is fairly common. In fact, almost half of adults over 30 experience some form of gum disease. The important thing is that you recognize the symptoms and see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. If you have noticed increased bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, or heightened tooth and gum sensitivity, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
Something Trapped in Your Gums (Poor Oral Hygiene)
Sudden gum pain may come from food particles or, if you recently had a check-up at the dentist, dental cement stuck in your gums. That may explain why, for example, you have sore or sensitive gums in one specific spot.
This is a good reminder to brush and floss your teeth consistently. Doing so not only works to limit plaque buildup but can also help remove any trapped food particles that may cause swelling in your gums. And if you’re somewhat lackadaisical about brushing and flossing, remember that poor oral hygiene can contribute to plaque buildup and gum pain.
Tobacco Usage
Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to tooth decay, which in turn can lead to gum disease. People who smoke or chew tobacco have twice the risk for gum disease compared with non-smokers. Additionally, treatments for gum disease may not be as impactful for tobacco users as for people who do not smoke or chew tobacco.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth more vigorously does not get them cleaner. On the contrary, it usually only makes for sore and swollen gums. Additionally, you may experience gum pain if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, which can also lead to gum recession.
If you have gum pain or swelling from brushing too hard, try Orajel™ 4X Toothache & Gum Gel. This formula combines the power of four active ingredients to provide instant oral pain relief for oral pain. It’s also proven to help kill harmful bacteria and prevent infection, with benzocaine to help soothe sore gums and menthol to help provide a cooling sensation.
Poorly Fitting Dentures
Were you recently fitted for dentures and are now experiencing gum pain? Your mouth may not be used to the dentures, or they may fit poorly. In either case, you shouldn’t just ignore the pain. Whether your mouth needs time to adjust or you’re awaiting a fitting for new dentures, use Orajel™ 3X Gum Pain Gel for quick pain relief from sore gums. You should also consider speaking to your dentist if you suspect your gum pain stems from poorly-fitting dentures.
Dietary Considerations & Hormonal Changes
People with vitamin deficiencies - notably Vitamin C and Vitamin B - may feel more gum pain. Additionally, hormonal changes and swings can result in sore gums. This may include people who are pregnant or in menopause.
Try Orajel™ Toothache & Gum Gel for minor irritation of the mouth and gums. If you prefer a different formula, opt for Orajel™ Toothache & Gum Liquid! This fast-acting liquid can help soothe sore gums, in addition to temporary pain relief for canker sores and minor injuries of the mouth.
Canker Sores
You can get canker sores in different spots inside of your mouth, including on your gums. They can cause gum pain and a lot of discomfort, particularly when eating and drinking. As is the case with trapped food particles, canker sores can cause localized gum pain, so your gums are more likely to hurt in one particular spot. Although canker sores do heal on their own, they can take 1-2 weeks to fully heal.
You don’t have to take gum pain and oral discomfort from canker sores lying down. Instead, turn to Orajel™ products for Mouth & Canker sore pain relief! You can try Orajel™ Mouth Sores Antiseptic Rinse, which helps promote healing of canker sores while also soothing irritated gums. For pain and discomfort from canker sores, try Orajel™ 3X Mouth Sores Gel.
Remedies for Gum Pain Treatment
As you can see, gum pain does not necessarily mean you have gum disease. While you should always see a dentist when you have redness and swelling, you should also know about the following over the counter or at-home treatments for aching and sensitive gums.
Orajel™ Creams, Gels, and Mouth Rinses
When you have oral pain from toothaches, gum pain, or mouth sores, Orajel™ is here to help! Orajel™ has various products to help relieve gum pain and in different formats! From creams to gels and mouth rinses, choose the format you’re most comfortable with so you can get fast relief for your sore gums.
For aching teeth and gums, try:
- Orajel™ Toothache Rinse is the first and only double-medicated rinse for temporary relief of pain due to toothaches and minor irritation of the mouth and gums.
- Orajel™ Toothache & Gum Liquid has a formula with 20 percent Benzocaine to help relieve oral pain and includes menthol to soothe gums.
- Orajel™ 4X Toothache & Gum Gel is a formula with four ingredients to help provide instant painful relief for sore gums. It’s also proven to help kill harmful bacteria while helping prevent infections.
- Orajel™ 4X Toothache & Gum Cream has the same benefits as Orajel™ 4X Medicated for Toothache & Gum Gel, but in a cream format.
- Orajel™ PM 4X Toothache & Gum Cream is a nighttime formula with Chamomile that helps provide instant pain relief for aching teeth and gums, also helping to kill harmful bacteria. Try this product to help soothe sore gums before bed.
- Orajel™ 3X Gum Pain Gel helps soothe irritated gums and provide fast relief, including for gum pain caused by dentures or braces.
However, as we discussed, your gum pain may stem from a canker sore. If this is the case, turn to any of the following:
- Orajel™ 3X Mouth Sores Gel offers instant relief from mouth sore pain from canker sores, cold sores, and gum irritation. It includes 20 percent Benzocaine to help relieve oral pain, plus Menthol to soothe gums and Astringent to help protect sores from irritation. Apply the gel directly to sores on your lips, gums, or cheeks.
- Orajel™ Mouth Sores Antiseptic Rinse helps kill bacteria and promote healing of sores in the mouth. It has a soothing mint taste and can help relieve pain from canker sores in your mouth, whether on your lips, cheeks, or gums.
- Orajel™ Alcohol-Free Mouth Sores Antiseptic Mouth Rinse also helps kill bacteria and promotes the healing of mouth sores while easing gum irritation and soothing cheek bites, providing necessary pain relief from canker sores and more.
Regardless of your preferred treatment format, Orajel™ products have you covered!
Cold Compress
Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and inflammation in your gums. Try holding an ice pack to the affected areas and see whether that makes a difference. Reach out to your dentist if your teeth and gums are especially sensitive to temperature change.
Brushing & Flossing Teeth
Seriously, taking good care of your teeth is one of the best and most consistent treatments for sore gums. That means brushing twice a day and flossing regularly while seeing the dentist at least once annually.
And just because you have gum pain does not mean you should stop brushing. Remember, brushing and flossing can help remove any trapped food particles that may be causing your gum pain. Just make sure to brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Why Do My Gums Hurt in the Back?
If your gums hurt in the back, you may have erupting wisdom teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth itself can cause sore gums. But you also might feel swelling or inflammation behind the molar if the tooth does not erupt properly.
You should also know how to help relieve wisdom tooth pain and when to consult a dentist about when (or if) you need to have your third molars removed.
Orajel™ Products Help with Discomfort from Aching Gums & Teeth
You have enough to deal with daily. You shouldn’t have to feel weighed down by gum pain and general oral discomfort on top of life’s other stressors. Instead, stock up on Orajel™ to help relieve pain from toothaches, irritated gums, and mouth sores so you can feel like your normal self again in no time.
