Does ‘Excess Heat’ cause sore gums? Yes, but many other things can cause your gums to be painful and sore. These common oral problems may be the early signs of several diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Without proper treatments, the condition may worsen and lead to severe oral inflammation, destroying the bones around your teeth and eventually falling off. Let’s get to know more about the causes, relief, and prevention of sore gums in this Cigna Smart Health article.
Causes of Sore Gums
Apart from ‘Excess Heat,’ gingivitis and poor oral health are other common causes of the oral condition. Poor oral health favors the accumulation of dental plaque, which can develop periodontal disease. Below are some possible causes of swollen and painful gums.
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Wisdom teeth
- Smoking
- Congenital condition
- Medications, such as oral contraceptives, steroids, anticonvulsants, calcium channel inhibitors, chemotherapy drugs
- Hormonal changes, such as endocrine disorders, menstruation, pregnancy
Relief of Sore Gums
Generally, sore gums persist for two to three days only. However, swelling and bleeding may still cause great discomfort in your daily life. If you want to soothe your achy gums, you could try the home remedies below.
1. Rinse your mouth with saltwater
Since salt is anti-inflammatory, it can help diminish the bacteria in your cavity and relieve the discomfort brought by swollen gums effectively. You can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater twice a day (day and night) until the swelling is gone.
2. Use anti-microbial mouthwashes
Using mouthwashes is another way to maintain your oral health, alongside brushing your teeth and flossing. Anti-microbial mouthwashes can deter the bacteria in your cavity and relieve your sore gums. When purchasing mouthwashes, you should read the label carefully and opt for those good for your oral health.
3. Take painkillers
If the pain is too much, you can take some aspirins to relieve the pain. However, you are advised to consult your dentist as soon as possible if persistent pain, bleeding, and ulcers are observed.
Prevention Tips for Sore Gums
As mentioned, many oral problems are related to dental plaque, including sore gums and gingivitis. If you can clean your teeth in the morning and at night to remove the plaque, you can have a lower chance of sore gums. Please look at the five tips below to prevent sore gums and maintain your oral health.
1. Use the right dental products
There are numerous dental products available nowadays. Many of those comprise fluoride in their content to relieve sensitive teeth, prevent tooth decay, and strengthen the enamel. Besides, you should also use dental floss, interdental brushes, and other dental cleaning products to clean the dental plaque between teeth and so lower your chance of periodontal disease.
2. Maintain your oral hygiene
You should opt for suitable dental products to maintain your oral hygiene based on your needs. Choose the right toothpaste, flosses, or interdental brushes to clean all sides of your teeth to avoid accumulating dental plaque and keep your gums healthy.
3. Receive oral examinations regularly
If swelling and bleeding gums persist without proper treatments, you may develop gingivitis and periodontal disease. Therefore, you are recommended to receive a thorough oral examination annually to understand your oral condition and timely intervention if needed.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking may cause an early gingival recession, leading to swollen and bleeding gums. In severe cases, gum infection persists and deteriorates into critical oral diseases. To mitigate the risk of gum conditions, as well as cardiovascular diseases, you should snuff out smoking at your earliest advance.
5. Control your blood sugar level
People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop periodontal disease and are more difficult to recover from. Therefore, you should try your best to control your blood sugar level to prevent oral problems, such as sore gums and gingivitis.