Common Causes of Inflamed Gums and Tooth Pain

Gums, also known as gingiva, are soft tissues that protect the underlying bone, help hold teeth in place, and form a tight seal around the teeth to protect them from bacteria. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed easily when brushed or flossed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of all Americans over age 30 have signs of gum disease. Please continue reading to discover possible causes of gum inflammation and tooth pain, as well as some tips on what you can do to maintain good gum health.

What causes gum swelling and bleeding gums?

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum swelling and bleeding gums. It leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation), which is the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease.

Other risk factors for gum disease include a crooked or cracked tooth, defective fillings, poorly-fitted dental bridges, tobacco use, diabetes, stress, certain medications that cause dry mouth, hormonal changes, and immune deficiencies that affect the body’s ability to fight germs, such as AIDS.

What is the treatment for gum disease?

For mild cases of gum disease, such as gingivitis, the treatment may involve professional cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices, and regular dental checkups to monitor the condition. More advanced gum disease may require definitive dental treatment.

If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to the bones surrounding the gums, causing periodontitis and even tooth loss.

For more advanced cases of gum disease, such as periodontitis, the treatment may involve scaling and root planing, which is a procedure done to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths the roots of the teeth to help prevent further plaque buildup. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection.

Why does my tooth hurt and my gum is inflamed?

Common causes of inflammation and pain in the teeth and gums are briefly described below.

Poor dental hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of gum inflammation and tooth decay. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to clean between the teeth to avoid plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of disease-causing bacteria that forms on the teeth if food particles are not removed by teeth brushing. Plaque build-up can cause gingivitis (gum infection) with gingival swelling and bleeding. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and form tartar. Hardened plaque and tartar buildup needs to be removed by a dental professional with dental scaling and root planing below the gum line.

Dental abscesses

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection inside the teeth, gums, or bone. It can cause symptoms such as tooth and gum pain, loose teeth, swollen gums, hot and cold sensitivity, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Home remedies such as saltwater rinses and warm compresses can provide temporary relief. However, a tooth abscess will not go away on its own and needs to be treated by a dentist. A dentist can perform a tooth extraction, root canal therapy, or incision and drainage to drain the abscess.

Impacted wisdom tooth

When the third molars (wisdom teeth) at the back of the mouth do not have enough room to emerge, they become impacted. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can result in painful, inflamed gums called pericoronitis. Symptoms may include red, tender, swollen gums, as well as bad breath, unpleasant taste, and jaw pain. Treatment consists of wisdom tooth extraction to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Nutritional deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies can cause oral health problems. In particular, vitamin C and B deficiencies can affect teeth and gum health. If you are experiencing swollen gums and suspect you may have vitamin deficiencies, try to eat a well-balanced diet and talk to your healthcare provider about taking supplements.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to increased blood flow to the gums, which can cause bleeding, sore, and swollen gums. Pregnancy can also make the mouth more vulnerable to plaque and swollen gums. Practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum problems and keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy and beyond.

How do I get rid of inflammation in my gums?

The best way to get rid of inflammation in your gums is to see your dentist. They can identify the cause of your swollen gums and treat it appropriately. For example, if you have periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, scaling, and root planing. If medical treatments are not enough, you may need surgical treatments like flap reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, or bone grafts.

How can I prevent swollen gums and keep my gums healthy?

To prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease and maintain good oral health, you should:

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or mouthwash to remove disease-causing bacteria.
See a dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning.
Quit smoking if you smoke.
Control stress, as stress can affect hormone levels.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet to boost immune function.
If you have gum swelling, see a dentist immediately to identify the cause of inflamed gums and tooth pain and receive treatment before it can cause further complications.