Gum Pain: Causes and Treatment

In short: Gum pain is widespread and is almost always due to inflammation in the mouth — most often gum inflammation (gingivitis). It usually shows as sore, red or swollen gums, sometimes with bleeding and bad breath. Good daily oral hygiene prevents most cases, and a dentist should check pain that lasts more than a week.

Symptoms of gum pain

Gum pain usually stems from sore spots that also burn and are often red and/or swollen. It is not uncommon for the pain to be accompanied by symptoms such as bleeding gums. The painful gums may also pulsate and be accompanied by bad breath.

Furthermore, aphthae in the mouth, white patches, a "furry" feeling in the mouth and an altered sense of taste can be possible accompanying symptoms. In serious cases, the symptom may also be associated with fever.

Causes of gum pain

If gum pain occurs, it is always due to inflammation. On the one hand, the gums may have suffered an injury — for example through mechanical stimuli such as a toothbrush that is too hard, braces, dentures or an accident; on the other hand, there may be an infection after a virus, bacteria or fungi have caused inflammation.

Gum pain can also be caused by a wisdom tooth, which usually needs to be operated on. It can also be linked to a disease, such as an autoimmune condition or allergies — in which case your dentist will recommend a suitable therapy.

Gingivitis

The most common cause of gum pain is inflammation of the gums. This gingivitis is often hard to notice, because it is painless at first and only shows some signals over time. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are:

• reddened gums
• swollen gums
• gum pain
• bleeding gums
• bad breath

A number of risk factors can lead to inflammation of the gums over time, and thus to gum pain. The most common are:

• inadequate oral hygiene
• hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty)
• stimulants such as cigarettes and alcohol
• general stress
• foods such as cheese and acidic fruits (citrus fruits, pineapple)
• heredity / disposition
• certain medications (immunosuppressants, epilepsy medications, prolonged antibiotic use, chemotherapy)
• immunodeficiency
• chronic metabolic disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)

Infection

Redness, swelling and pain are a natural reaction of the connective tissue and blood vessels to foreign bodies that have penetrated. Wounds in particular make it easy for pathogens; if bacteria settle in the oral cavity and multiply, an infection is often imminent.

Disturbed oral flora

The presence of hundreds of species of bacteria and microorganisms in the oral cavity is perfectly normal and even healthy. The pH value in the mouth and the enzymes in saliva — coupled with thorough, regular oral hygiene — keep the number of harmful germs in check.

However, some factors and diseases can cause the oral flora to lose its natural balance. This increases the likelihood of plaque forming, which in turn can promote gingivitis and the gum pain that comes with it.

When to consult the dentist

If gum pain persists for about a week, don't ignore the signs of gingivitis — visit your dentist and have the symptoms checked.

If gingivitis is present, it can usually be brought under control quickly and easily. Only when gingivitis develops into periodontitis — which attacks not just the gums but also the jawbone — can it have far-reaching consequences, even tooth loss.

Treatment of gum pain

If the gum pain is caused by an injury, the dentist will usually apply an ointment or special mouthwash to relieve pain and reduce germs. If it is the result of an infection, the first step is usually to reduce the number of germs in the oral cavity with a professional dental cleaning. Gums and any gum pockets caused by periodontitis can also be cleaned with a special laser or ultrasound.

In some cases, inflamed tissue must be removed. Modern dentistry offers not only surgical measures but also a gentler alternative using lasers. In addition to treatment at the dentist, medication against bacteria, viruses or fungi may be needed to cure the underlying infection.

What you can do yourself against gum pain

A healthy oral flora with a balanced mix of micro-organisms is well equipped against harmful germs. The most important prerequisite for a healthy, infection-free mouth is thorough, regular dental hygiene. Caring conscientiously for your teeth and the spaces between them several times a day lays the foundation for healthy oral flora and helps prevent gum pain and more serious dental problems. The key elements are:

1. Brush at least twice a day with the correct technique: little pressure, a toothbrush without hard bristles, and gentle circular movements instead of hard scrubbing.
2. Change your toothbrush regularly (about every eight weeks). Bristles that curve outwards are a clear signal it's time.
3. Floss daily and use interdental brushes to keep the spaces between teeth clean, where plaque settles unnoticed.
4. Use a mastic mouthwash daily as part of your oral hygiene routine.
5. Clean your tongue daily with a special tongue scraper — another place where plaque accumulates.
6. If you wear dentures or braces, clean them thoroughly every day.
7. See your dentist twice a year so any problems are found and stopped early.
8. Schedule a professional dental cleaning regularly for a thorough clean.

Avoid gum disease: technique makes the difference

Besides poor hygiene, improper technique can lead to gum recession over time — either when the gums are irritated by an incorrect brushing technique with a hard toothbrush and too much pressure, or when the teeth are overloaded, as with night grinding. A very tight cheek or lip frenulum can also be a trigger. Still, the most common cause linked to inadequate hygiene is the poor removal of harmful bacteria, which promotes gingivitis and, if untreated, causes the gums to recede.

Brush at least twice a day in gentle circular motions with a toothbrush that doesn't apply strong pressure, and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride — the recognised agent against tooth decay. Removing harmful plaque is the be-all and end-all of thorough dental hygiene.

Don't forget the spaces between the teeth

Use dental floss and small interdental brushes at least once a day. Germs settle and multiply unnoticed in these places. Don't forget your tongue either — a special tongue scraper removes these germs daily without much effort.

How to brush correctly

Quite a few diseases of the teeth and gums are triggered by incorrect brushing. Make sure the bristles of your toothbrush are not too hard: rough up-and-down movements can push the gums upwards over time.

Risk factors for gum recession

Smoking

Because cigarette smoke reduces blood flow to the gums, smokers often notice gum problems late or not at all — low blood flow means symptoms such as bleeding gums may not appear even when inflammation is present. Smoke also weakens the general immune system, letting harmful bacteria multiply more easily and gradually damaging the gums.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetics need to keep blood glucose in check for many reasons. A general disturbance of the immune system caused by unbalanced blood sugar can be accompanied by symptoms such as gum recession.

Infection

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are bacterial infections. By their nature they are transmissible, so infection — for example between partners — cannot be ruled out.

During pregnancy

Hormonal fluctuations at the onset of pregnancy can affect the oral mucosa, letting harmful bacteria multiply and penetrate the mucosa more easily. If germs reach deeper layers, this can cause a form of gum recession known as pregnancy gingivitis, often in the first months of pregnancy.

Mouth breathing

Continuous breathing through the mouth dries out the oral mucous membranes, which can encourage harmful bacteria to colonise and multiply. Modern medicine has effective solutions for this, such as an oral vestibular plate.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, a general malocclusion or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint can lead to receding gums. Grinding often happens at night and is considered a reaction to prolonged stress, overloading the teeth and reducing blood flow to the gums.

Weak immune system

A weakened immune system can affect all bodily functions, including the teeth and gums. Metabolic disorders, chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and severe illnesses are extreme examples. External factors matter too — smoking is one of the most significant, making smokers particularly susceptible to inflammations such as periodontitis.

Genetic predisposition

Gum inflammation and related symptoms such as gum recession can also be genetic. In advanced stages this may influence the development of general conditions that can be preceded by gum problems, such as heart disease or diabetes mellitus.

Mastic in your daily oral care

Mastic toothpaste supports your daily oral hygiene and fresh breath as part of a good routine.

Discover mastic toothpaste

Consult your dentist before using new oral care products.

FAQ: gum pain