Have you ever felt your gums hurt when touched? This is actually quite common. The pain can occur when brushing your teeth, eating, or even when the gums are accidentally touched.
The causes can also vary. Sore gums can be caused by inflammation, canker sores, tartar, or even problems with nearby teeth. So, don't assume all gum pain is caused by the same thing.
Inflamed Gums
One cause of painful gums is inflammation. This condition is usually related to plaque and bacteria buildup around the teeth.
Inflamed gums usually appear redder or swollen. Gums may also bleed more easily when brushing your teeth.
If this condition is left untreated, the pain and swelling can become increasingly bothersome. Therefore, it's important to maintain daily dental and gum hygiene.
There is a canker sore on the gum
Canker sores don't just appear on the lips or inside the cheeks. These small sores can also appear on the gums.
If you have a canker sore, your gums will usually feel sore when you eat or touch them. Spicy and acidic foods can also make the pain worse.
Canker sores usually heal on their own within a few days. However, if they persist or recur frequently, you should see a dentist to determine the cause.
Tartar Buildup
Tartar can also cause sore and swollen gums. Tartar forms from hardened plaque and cannot be removed with just a toothbrush.
If tartar builds up near the gums, the area can become more easily irritated. As a result, the gums can appear red, swollen, and painful to the touch.
Scaling at the dentist is usually necessary to remove tartar. After cleaning, gum health can be easier to maintain.
For tooth scaling services, you can consult online via the website. OpalDentalIndonesia.comor come directly to the clinic in Jogja or South Jakarta.
Cavities near the gums
Dental problems can also cause pain in the surrounding gums. One such problem is cavities.
If the cavity is deep enough, bacteria can enter the tooth. The pain can even spread to the gums surrounding the tooth.
So, if your gums hurt when pressed and there's a cavity nearby, don't just focus on the gums. The affected tooth also needs to be examined.
Wisdom Teeth Are Growing
If the pain is felt at the back of the mouth, it could be caused by wisdom teeth growing.
When wisdom teeth erupt, the surrounding gums may feel sore, swollen, or painful to the touch. Food can also become lodged in the area more easily.
This condition is usually more noticeable if the wisdom teeth don't have enough room to grow in. If the pain recurs frequently or the swelling increases, it's best to see a dentist.
Opal Dental has a wide range of specialist dentists to suit your needs. You can check the best times for consultations on the page. doctor's schedulewhich is available on the website menu.
How to Reduce Sore Gums When Touched
If your gums are painful to the touch, avoid pressing or touching the affected area too often. This can actually irritate the gums further.
In the meantime, you can do some simple things at home, such as:
- Keep brushing your teeth twice a day gently.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Clean between your teeth gently.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Avoid foods that are too spicy, sour, or hard.
- Do not pick at the sore gums.
These methods can help make your mouth feel more comfortable. However, if the cause is a dental problem or infection, a dental examination and treatment is still necessary.
When Should Sore Gums Be Checked?
Sore gums aren't always a sign of a serious problem. However, you should be more alert if the pain persists or worsens.
You should immediately see a dentist if your gums become increasingly swollen, bleed frequently, have pus coming out, or are accompanied by a fever.
Likewise, if your gums hurt when touched repeatedly, don't rely solely on medication or home remedies without knowing the cause.
Don't Wait Until It Gets Sicker
Gum problems can sometimes seem trivial, initially just a slight pain. However, this pain could be a sign of a tooth or gum problem.
Therefore, don't ignore persistent complaints. Maintaining daily dental hygiene and regular checkups can help maintain oral health.
If you start to notice any unusual changes in your gums, it's best to get them checked out right away. The sooner the cause is identified, the easier it will be to determine the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
So why do gums feel sore when touched? The causes can vary, from inflamed gums, canker sores, tartar, cavities, to emerging wisdom teeth.
If the pain is mild, you can maintain good oral hygiene and avoid foods that can worsen the pain. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling and pus, you should see a dentist immediately.
Don't wait until the pain interferes with your activities. By identifying the cause early, gum problems can be treated more effectively.