Gum pain may not strike you as an emergency dentistry situation, but it can have serious implications. Understanding what’s causing your pain will help you seek the appropriate treatment and lessen your symptoms. Here are a few potential causes that contribute to gum pain.

What Causes Gum Pain?

1. Tartar Buildup

Plaque, the thin film of bacteria that covers your teeth, hardens into tartar when left on teeth. Tartar is a splintery substance that irritates your gums, causing redness, swelling that can cause pain, and bleeding when you brush, a condition known as gingivitis.

2. Gum Disease

Left untreated, gingivitis turns into full-blown periodontal disease, or periodontitis. Tartar damages the gum tissue and causes it to pull away from your teeth, allowing bacteria deeper into your gums. The loss of gum and bone tissue and increased risk of infections contribute to tooth loss and decay.

3. Abrasive Dental Care

While you should be diligent about your dental hygiene routine, being too rough when you brush can damage your gum tissue, causing swelling and tenderness. Using too much pressure when you floss can also cause minor lacerations or irritation.

4. Abscesses 

An abscess is a serious infection surrounding a tooth’s root and pulp, and it can be caused by cavities, gum disease, or a cracked or broken tooth. Swelling, redness, and tenderness in the gums are symptoms of an abscess, and left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone and surrounding teeth. It can require emergency dentistry procedures like tooth extraction to resolve, especially if you experience facial swelling or fever.

5. Hormonal Changes

For women, hormonal changes can cause increased gum sensitivity and make you more susceptible to periodontal disease. Your period, menopause, and pregnancy hormones all affect your dental health, but scheduling cleanings and exams around these times may help mitigate sensitivity and catch gum disease early.

If you’re experiencing gum pain, come see our general and emergency dentistry team at Smile Surgery Center in Anchorage, AK. With over a decade of experience and a commitment to precise and gentle dentistry, we offer a range of oral surgery treatments, including tooth extraction for abscessed teeth. Learn more about our oral surgery options online, and call us at (907) 644-4772 to schedule an appointment today.