29 Apr 10 Reasons Why Your Gums Hurt
If you ever catch yourself wondering, “Wait, why do my gums hurt?” don’t ignore that thought. You might need to see a dentist. There are many reasons for gum pain, but since it’s one of the main warning signs of gum disease, it’s important to take it seriously. While it might just be that you’re brushing a little too hard, it could be something worse. Any gum pain that lasts more than a few days is a good reason to schedule a dentist appointment.
Ten Reasons for Gum Pain
1: Flossing or Brushing Incorrectly
If you’re snapping your dental floss into your gums or brushing too hard, you can injure them and even make them bleed. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure you’re flossing the right way. Make sure you’re replacing your toothbrush every three to four months as well, as frayed, misshapen bristles can also damage your gums.
2: Something Stuck in Your Gums
A lot of different foods can get stuck in your gums—popcorn kernels are one of the most obvious culprits. Make sure to always gently guide your floss below the gumline to remove any debris you can’t see. But stay away from toothpicks! They can damage your gums or splinter and get stuck as well.
3: Minor Injuries
Eating acidic, sharp, or scratchy foods can irritate your gums, leaving them tender and swollen. Irritation from damaged dentures or retainers can also cause gum pain. If you wear dentures or retainers, make sure you’re cleaning them correctly and never rinsing them with hot water.
4: Gingivitis or Receding Gums
Gum pain is often one of the first signs of gum disease, so if your gums are red and sore, you might have gingivitis. You can usually get rid of gingivitis by improving your oral hygiene habits, but if the pain persists, you should see a dentist for treatment. Gum disease is irreversible in its later stages, and without treatment, it can cause permanent damage like receding gums and tooth loss.
5: Tooth Abscess
When the root of a tooth gets infected, it can cause an abscess, which is a pocket of pus underneath your gums. If the infection gets really bad, it can make your gums swollen and sore, or even burst through your gums and form an oozing blister.
6: Smoking or Vaping
Cigarettes and e-cigs cause inflammation and dry mouth, which is why gum disease is more common in people who smoke or vape. If you have sore gums, it’s a good sign that you should quit.
7: Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can also increase your risk of gum disease. People with thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, or diabetes are more vulnerable to gum infections. Cancer patients have a higher risk as well.
8: Hormones
Hormonal changes like puberty, menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy can all affect gum health. In fact, as many as 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis or gum disease. If you are pregnant, you may need to see your dentist for treatment in order to prevent complications like low birth weight or premature birth.
9: Vitamin Deficiency
Did you know that if you don’t get enough vitamins, your dental health could start to suffer? For example, a Vitamin C deficiency can cause tenderness and swelling of the gums. If you’re not a fan of fresh fruits and vegetables, start taking a daily multivitamin to improve your gum health.
10: Canker Sores
Although they typically form on the lips or cheeks, canker sores can form on the gums as well. Canker sores can be very painful, but they will usually go away on their own. However, if you have any mouth sores that last longer than two weeks, it could be a sign of oral cancer. You should see your dentist or your doctor for a screening.
Holistic Treatment for Gum Disease in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, we offer painless, non-invasive treatments like ozone therapy that help fight gum disease and prevent oral infections. As a holistic practice, you can count on us for dental care that uses only the safest, most natural methods available. To make an appointment, call us at 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Mc Jefferson Agloro on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/18/25.