Did you know that around 46% of adults over 30 show signs of gum disease?
Gum pain is one of the main symptoms of gum disease, but it’s not the only cause. In fact, there are many reasons your gums may be hurting – some are more serious than others.
Whatever the cause, you shouldn’t ignore gum pain. The first step to fixing it is understanding what the problem is. So, if you’ve got gum pain, it’s time to figure out why.
Read on to find out the common causes of gum pain.
1. Rough Brushing
Many people think that good oral hygiene begins and ends with whether they brush their teeth. In fact, it’s more complicated – you also need to have a good brushing technique.
Brushing your gums too hard will lead to bleeding and symptoms of gum pain. Instead, you should tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and brush gently over the teeth and gums.
If you’re unsure of the correct teeth brushing technique, you can use YouTube videos to refresh your memory. Alternatively, visit the dental hygienist who will be happy to show you.
2. Tobacco Use
If you’re wondering what causes gum pain other than incorrect brushing, tobacco is a key player. All tobacco products (particularly chewing tobacco) can damage the gums and cause them to hurt.
You can visit your doctor for advice and methods to help you stop using tobacco. It may take a few weeks, but you should notice your gum health improves significantly after quitting tobacco.
3. Cancer
You should never ignore gum pain because, in rare cases, it can be a symptom of oral cancer. Usually, oral cancer presents as a sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal – it may be on the gums, cheek, tongue, or tonsils.
You should visit your dentist for regular check-ups, and they can advise you on whether you need to see a GP for an oncology referral.
4. Gum Disease
Next, if you notice that your gums are red, swollen, and often bleed, this may be a sign of gum disease.
A little bit of bleeding when brushing isn’t uncommon, but it should always resolve after a few days of proper brushing. If you have gum disease, you’ll notice these symptoms don’t settle quickly.
Gum disease needs to be assessed by a dentist, and they can help teach you how to relieve gum pain. Check out the services this dentist offers to get help with your gum pain.
Treat Your Gum Pain Today
That’s the 101 on gum pain, why it happens, and what to do about it. Even if you’re sure you know what’s causing your pain, it’s still best to visit a dentist so they can advise you on the best management plan.
So, don’t delay – get booked in for an appointment today!
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