Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Have your gums been bothering you nonstop? Do your gums feel sore or swollen, and do they bleed when you brush your teeth? If you are tired of being in pain and just want to know, “Why do my gums hurt?” you’ve come to the right place. A consistent toothache and sensitive gums may be the first sign of gum disease, which means you need to make an appointment with your expert right away.

Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Painful gums can lead to several possible ailments. When you visit the office of your top Beverly Hills periodontist, Justin Raanan, you can invest in the perfect solution that will treat your gums. Find out why your mouth might be hurting and keep track of your symptoms so you can get properly treated ASAP.

Sore Gums? Find Out Why

The first step to getting proper treatment for your gums is to figure out why your gums are sore in the first place. Sore gums could mean many things, especially if you feel a lot of pain while brushing and flossing. It’s common to bleed from your gums every so often, especially if your toothbrush is too hard. But if this happens on a consistent basis, you may be dealing with the early signs of disease.

The most common causes of sore and swollen gums include:

Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which needs to be treated right away. This condition is marked by sore and sensitive gums that probably bleed when you brush. If you don’t get help for gingivitis, it can advance to a more serious disease known as periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, which is the more advanced version of gum disease. Your mouth will require a lot of care at this point, as periodontitis can lead to serious oral health issues and other complications including heart disease and soft tissue damage. Gum disease also contributes to tooth loss and rapid decay over time.

Tobacco Use

Excessive smoking can lead to the development of gum disease. Tobacco affects the soft tissue in the gums, infecting the blood and affecting the flow of blood to the rest of the mouth. Gum disease is much more common in those that smoke or use chewing tobacco.

Symptoms that Require an Office Visit

Mild forms of gum pain may be treated at home using over-the-counter mouthwashes and toothbrushes with very soft bristles. But you should also know when a professional visit to your periodontist is in order. Ongoing pain makes it imperative to visit ASAP, as well as the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding for more than a week
  • Swollen gums
  • Bright red gums
  • Perpetual bad breath
  • Spreading infection
  • Canker sores
  • White mouth ulcers

All of the above symptoms may still be a sign of gingivitis, but the longer you wait to visit your periodontist, the bigger the chances that they will develop into gum disease. Advanced gum disease can be difficult to treat as it opens up the possibility of many different oral health problems.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Gums Today!

Now you know why your gums hurt. But gum problems can be so pressing that you should never wait to be seen by your professional. Your gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth, as your gums serve as the gateway to the rest of your body. The soft tissue of your gums can become sensitive and susceptible to disease if left untreated. Get in touch with your local professionals at the office of Dr. Justin Raanan today and create a solid long-term care plan for the health of your gums.

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