For most people, having a toothache is no picnic. Although not all gum pain signals a problem that needs to be addressed by a dentist, it is still important to try and relieve the discomfort as soon as possible with effective home remedies. So what can you do if your gums are hurting? Read on for some great tips from our dentists.
So it comes to gum pain
Around 100 billion germs can be found in the oral cavity, which attack the gums every day. Normally not a problem for the gums.
But when the body’s defense system is not functioning optimally, gum problems such as inflammation & bleeding can occur because harmful bacteria attack sensitive areas of the gums or the bone responsible for anchoring the tooth.
Sore gums are usually a sign of inflammation or another dental disease.
First, inflammation attacks the soft and hard tissues around the tooth. The affected gums tend to bleed more, they may ulcerate, and the teeth become loose.
Gum inflammation is often not taken seriously, although it forms the basis for many other diseases.
Even mild inflammation of the gums increases the risk of arteriosclerosis, according to the MHH Clinics for Dental Prosthetics and for Cardiology and Angiology.
Recognize symptoms as soon as possible
In the beginning, gingivitis usually does not cause pain.
However, if pain and increased bad breath occur, it could be chronic gum inflammation (called “chronic gingivitis”). It leads to long-term gum recession.
If in doubt, it is best not to try to solve the problem alone, but contact your dentist. This can help you in a personal conversation better than an article on the Internet.
Frequently, visible gum problems begin with redness and swelling.
The gums are irritated and swell in the spaces between the teeth. However, the swelling may spread beyond this area
- There is bleeding of the gums when cleaning the teeth or eating aching hot or cold food
- Mouth odor occurs more and does not go away even with brushing
- Loose teeth or gaps between teeth – often teeth look longer
- Change in color of gums (dark spots that stand out noticeably)
- Touching the inflamed areas causes pain, itching or burning
In severe cases, pus may also form, which emerges when pressure is applied under the gums. In addition, the surrounding lymph nodes can swell.
If you have a toothache, it’s always best to see a dentist.
The causes of gum pain
Gum problems are divided into gingivitis and periodontitis (colloquially known as periodontal disease)
- Both are caused by a change in the balance of bacteria living in the mouth.
- If you don’t brush your teeth properly, you risk allowing germs to multiply to unhealthy levels.
Bacteria process food residues on and between the teeth to form plaque, which coats the teeth. This coating, in turn, is medically referred to as “biofilm” or “plaque.”
Tartar also forms. Plaque is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can spread there particularly well. They release aggressive metabolites, acid and toxins that are ultimately responsible for gum inflammation.
Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontal disease
Gingivitis is a typical inflammation of the gums that affects the soft tissue and is easily treated. It is an inflammation from the gums due to bacterial infestation that is usually not painful
If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis can develop. This disease penetrates into the periodontium and can lead to tooth loss.
The cause of the clinical picture of periodontitis is bacteria that spread between the tooth and the surrounding tissue with the inflammation in the gingival pocket toward the tip of the tooth root.
The root tip lies under the gums and gives the tooth its support.
Correct oral hygiene is the best prevention for painful gums
To prevent the spread of bacteria, teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time – but ideally about 30 minutes after each meal.
- A normal manual toothbrush is sufficient for this purpose – however, an electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush may make sense if you brush with incorrect technique.
- The interdental spaces must also be cleaned daily with dental floss, dental floss or interdental brush.
- This fights plaque and reduces inflammation. The bacteria can no longer spread so much.
The correct execution and technique is best demonstrated by the dentist. If a mouthwash is used, it should contain essential oils and fluorine, but no alcohol. This dries out the gums namely.
Smoking increases the risk
Heavy smokers who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day have a significantly higher risk of developing periodontitis than nonsmokers.
In addition, the disease often spreads more quickly in them and treatment is less effective.
Smokers have up to a 15-fold increased risk of periodontal disease, depending on cigarette use.
Tobacco toxins collect in saliva, wash around teeth and gums, and damage tissue. Particularly insidious is that smoking suppresses the typical warning sign of periodontal disease: bleeding gums.
Diet can influence the course
Diet plays a large role in the development of gingivitis. If the immune system is compromised by poor nutrition, the inflammation usually spreads more quickly.
Highly acidic foods and drinks weaken the gums. In addition, vitamin C deficiency can contribute to a weak immune system.
Be careful with dentures
Inappropriate dentures (fillings, dental crowns, bridges, or implants) or insufficient denture care can be a reason for spreading gum problems
Inadequate denture care can lead to fungal infections, which can spread extensively between dentures and the roof of the mouth.
Genetics play a role
Gum problems with inflammation are particularly common in people with thin gums or lack of gum coverage
These symptoms may be hereditary. About 30% of the population has a predisposition to periodontitis. A smear test can determine if the responsible IL-1 genotype is present in the body.
If the salivary glands produce too little saliva, the mouth becomes dry, often burns, and is more susceptible to disease. Bad breath and dental problems set in when harmful bacteria take over
Psyche and stress
Studies show that depressed mood, stressors, and drastic life events can contribute significantly to periodontal disease.
Diseases promote gingivitis
Untreated tooth decay, tooth erosion, teeth grinding and clenching with abrasion of the teeth, dry mouth from medications, or salivary pH changes can cause or exacerbate gum disease
The same is true for general diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or immune system disorders, as well as mucosal diseases (e.g., lichen planus) of the oral mucosa.
Drug side effects pose a risk
Certain medications for high blood pressure can promote the occurrence of gingivitis. Examples here include nifedipine (antihypertensive), hydantoin (antiepileptic), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune, immunosuppressant, suppresses normal immune system).
Hormonal changes also affect the gums
Gingivitis can be related to the hormonal system. For example, pregnancy, puberty, menstrual cycle or uncontrolled diabetes, among others, may play a role here.
Treatment of painful gums
A dentist should be seen if gingivitis recurs or has not improved or even worsened after three to four days
A dentist should also be consulted for problems that occur along with brittle nails or skin problems.
Tooth cleaning prevents inflammation & pain
A professional dental cleaning is recommended by dentists twice a year
- It is performed either by the dentist himself or by a prophylaxis assistant in the dental office, and is usually not painful.
- The cost of this is between 40 and 150 euros. For people with statutory health insurance, this is part of preventive care, but treatment is often not covered.
Diagnosis by the dentist
Remember: A reliable diagnosis can only be made by a dentist.
- If gum disease is diagnosed, the dentist or dental hygienist will first remove tartar and plaque before deep cleaning the roots and pockets of the teeth (known as “deep scaling”).
- If necessary, ill-fitting crowns or fillings must be replaced in case they have an impact on gum pain and to prevent problems in the future.
These initial measures aim to eliminate the external causes of periodontal disease, thereby creating the conditions for healing.
This is followed by possible Deep Scaling
Deep scaling, or thorough scraping of the pockets and root surfaces located below the gum level, is performed under local anesthesia
It is usually not painful.
- The infected and tartar-covered root surfaces under the gums are carefully smoothed with ultrasonic instruments (the so-called “root planing”).
- With the help of a hand instrument, the curette, the inflammatory tissue is also removed from the pockets (the so-called “curettage”).
In individual cases, this is followed by antibiotic therapy or PDT laser treatment.
Antibiotics
Tablets such as amoxicillin, metronidazole, or doxycycline are prescribed by the dentist over a period of one to two weeks.
But the antibiotics can also be massaged locally as a gel into the affected pockets. However, this method is only effective if there is no tartar or plaque in the pockets.
The success of mixed therapies such as deep scaling combined with antibiotic tablets is being proven by more and more studies.
Photodynamic laser periodontal treatment (PDT)
The antibacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT or aPDT) is also called photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT).
In this treatment, a special light-sensitive dye is placed in the pockets and irradiated with a laser. The energy from the laser light is absorbed by the dye destroys the cell walls of the bacteria.
The bacteria are killed, while healthy cells of the periodontal tissue remain untouched. This method is usually completely painless and quick.
However, even with this method, the pockets must first be cleared of tartar and bacteria.
Home remedies for painful gums
In addition to daily dental care with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, mouthwash and gum gels can also be added.
- in the case of gingivitis, in addition, to start brushing each day in a different section of the mouth.
- This advice is based on the fact that you are particularly careful at the beginning of brushing and tends to work more and more unclean over time.
To protect the gums, many dentists advise to resort to medium-hard or even soft toothbrushes and apply them at the gumline at a 45° angle without excessive pressure.
Sonic toothbrushes can also help, because with them the brush head does not move, but only vibrates gently. Small bubbles in the toothpaste provide the cleaning instead of the usual scrubbing.
Note: You can read more about how ultrasonic toothbrushes work in this guide.
If the gingivitis is mild and not chronic, several home remedies can provide quick relief.
(Antibacterial) Mouthwashes
The inflammation may be inhibited by mouthwashes, which can help it heal faster. However, keep in mind that all home remedies mentioned here do not replace treatment by a dentist
They can only support the treatment of inflamed gums, not replace it.
Pastes and tinctures
Applied directly to the inflamed area to relieve inflammation. Suitable may include:
- Alaun (mineral): from the pharmacy; can also be used as a rinse
- Aloe vera: can be applied as a juice or gel to the affected area
- Bicarbonate mixed with water; not more often than twice daily, as irritant
- Applying garlic directly as a juice or paste has an antibacterial effect
- 1 to 2 drops of a tincture of royal cumin
- Turmeric with salt and a little water
- Neem oil
- Cinnamon
- Cloves; place directly on the inflamed area or in oil form with water to rinse the mouth
- Peppermint oil
- Tincture of marigold
- Black tea, sage, chamomile or lavender tea are suitable for gum inflammation both as a mouth rinse and as a compress
- Change compresses: Cold relieves pain, heat, on the other hand, stimulates blood circulation – the temperature differences can help against gingivitis with wet cloths, compresses or two glasses of hot or cold water each on the cheek.
Summarized the most important for prevention
Note: For more information, please read our detailed article: Preventing Gum Disease.
The risk of gingivitis can definitely be reduced through comprehensive oral hygiene and a healthy diet, even if you can’t completely eradicate the risk.
- You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes with oscillating movements are particularly thorough in removing plaque. Toothpaste with fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
- Once a day, the interdental spaces should be freed from plaque with dental floss or brushes. It is important to pay attention to the distances between the teeth.
If brushes or floss slip too easily through the gaps, another method must be used. Oral irrigators clean the interdental spaces, for example, with a jet of water.
Don’t forget the tongue
The tongue surface should also be regularly cleaned of bacteria with a tongue cleaner. Mouthwashes with an antibacterial mouthwash can additionally help prevent bleeding gums
Stress prevention or relaxation techniques can help if.
Regular checkups and professional dental cleanings will detect any existing problems, and any tartar or plaque that builds up will be removed here.
Avoid sugars
Sugary foods and acidic beverages should be enjoyed only in moderation, as sugar attacks tooth enamel and can cause bacteria to take hold.
In addition, one study found that reduced carbohydrate intake and increased intake of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D, antioxidants, and fiber lowered the risk of gingivitis.
More info and help finding specialists in periodontology and dental hygienists: German Society of Periodontology.
Daily Oral Care for Healthy Gums: By adopting a proper oral care routine, you can avoid gum pain and gum disease. Learn about daily oral care tips to keep your gums healthy and free from pain
Daily oral care is essential for the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of oral care, but it alone cannot prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a common issue that affects both the young and old, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health problems. The good news is that with proper daily oral care, you can avoid gum disease and prevent gum pain.
Firstly, brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial for healthy gums. It helps to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, which if left unchecked, can cause gum disease. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste is recommended. It’s also important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to cover all areas of your mouth, including the gums.
Flossing once a day is also essential for healthy gums. Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles that get trapped between your teeth and gums. Flossing is an effective way to get rid of these particles and to prevent gum disease. When flossing, be sure to be gentle and avoid aggressive flossing, which can damage your gums.
Moreover, using mouthwash is another daily oral care tip that can help prevent gum disease. Mouthwash contains antibacterial ingredients that can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. This helps to prevent gum disease and freshen your breath.
In conclusion, adopting a proper daily oral care routine is necessary for healthy gums. By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash, you can avoid gum pain and gum disease. Remember, regular dental check-ups are also crucial for early detection and treatment of any oral health issues.
Daily Oral Care for Healthy Gums: By adopting a proper oral care routine, you can avoid gum pain and gum disease. Learn about daily oral care tips to keep your gums healthy and free from pain
Daily oral care is essential for the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of oral care, but it alone cannot prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a common issue that affects both the young and old, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health problems. The good news is that with proper daily oral care, you can avoid gum disease and prevent gum pain.
Firstly, brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial for healthy gums. It helps to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, which if left unchecked, can cause gum disease. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste is recommended. It’s also important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to cover all areas of your mouth, including the gums.
Flossing once a day is also essential for healthy gums. Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles that get trapped between your teeth and gums. Flossing is an effective way to get rid of these particles and to prevent gum disease. When flossing, be sure to be gentle and avoid aggressive flossing, which can damage your gums.
Moreover, using mouthwash is another daily oral care tip that can help prevent gum disease. Mouthwash contains antibacterial ingredients that can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. This helps to prevent gum disease and freshen your breath.
In conclusion, adopting a proper daily oral care routine is necessary for healthy gums. By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash, you can avoid gum pain and gum disease. Remember, regular dental check-ups are also crucial for early detection and treatment of any oral health issues.
