When you have a toothache, you probably go to the dentist. But what will you do when your gums are a problem? Causes of gum pain There are many reasons why your gums can suffer. But many gum problems won't cause pain right away. Possible causes range from very minor pain to very serious pain. ### gum disease The first symptoms of this are bleeding, swelling and redness. They usually happen when you don't floss properly or enough. You may not feel pain at this initial stage. If you don't brush and floss better, your gum disease can get worse. Over time, your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, creating small gum pockets. Small pieces of food may get stuck in them and cause infection. This can cause teeth to become loose or break the bone that supports them, leading to tooth loss. You may not feel any pain at this point. ### mouth disease These can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the gums. They usually appear as red spots in the mouth, but they can also have a white coating. There is no specific treatment for canker sores, but the sores will go away on their own within a week or two. If they don't, see your doctor or dentist. ### Tobacco If you smoke or use "smokeless" products such as chewing tobacco, pipes, or vapes, you are more likely to develop gum disease. And since smokeless tobacco is usually placed between the cheek and the mouth, it can do more damage to your mouth than cigarettes. Your gums may pull away from your teeth, causing sores inside your mouth and on your gums. It can also lead to oral cancer. ### Hormonal changes If you're a woman, hormones can affect your gums at different times in your life. During puberty, more blood flows to your gums and they may become swollen, sensitive, or painful. They may also feel a little sore during your period. If you are pregnant, your hormone levels increase and can affect your gums. If you notice that your gums are bleeding or painful, talk to your doctor. Suggested article 10 What are the causes of bleeding gums? When you reach menopause, your hormone levels change again. Your gums may bleed, be discolored, burn, or hurt. ### abscessed tooth When you have a tooth infection from inside your root, it creates a pus pocket or abscess. These don't always hurt, but a lot of them do. Some abscessed teeth also cause swelling of the gums. If your gums are sore or swollen, see your dentist. You may need a root canal to treat it. ### oral cancer It can start from the tongue, inner cheek, tonsils or gums. You or your dentist may see cancer because it looks like a sore in your mouth that won't heal. It may not be painful at first. But be careful and see a dentist for any sores in your mouth or on your gums if they don't heal within a few weeks. Many things can cause your gums to hurt, but not all of them require a visit to the dentist. Sometimes sensitive and painful gums are just a sign that you are brushing your teeth too hard. As you said, other times, your gums may be damaged if braces or artificial prostheses irritate them. If you are a woman, hormonal changes related to menstruation, toothache during pregnancy, or menopause can also cause your gums to swell and hurt. How to relieve gum pain? Try these simple home remedies for sore gums: - Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. - Only use toothbrushes with soft bristles. - Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. You will find other OTC products to treat sore gums at the pharmacy. This includes: Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide (such as Glycol Oxide) Gels that you apply directly to sore gums (such as Enbsol) - If your gums hurt and you have a white coating on your tongue or cheeks, you may have an infection called thrush. This is a type of fungal infection. Eating yogurt with live cultures can help, but if it doesn't go away you should see a doctor or dentist. - If you have gum pain and white mouth sores with red edges, it could be chancre sores. They are not contagious and usually go away within 1 to 3 weeks. Canker sores larger than half an inch can be very painful and should be treated by a dentist. To relieve the pain during this period, avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods and follow the same home remedies as above. When to see a dentist If your gums are sore or bleeding for more than a week, head to the dentist's office. Red and swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of gum disease and gingivitis. You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and cleaning your teeth regularly. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause painful pus called an abscess. It can also lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, so oral care is very important. See your dentist if you have persistent gum pain or any of the following symptoms: 1. Bleeding gums 2. Red and swollen gums 3. Gums that recede from your teeth 4. Dentures that no longer fit 5. Pain when chewing 6. Loose teeth 7. Teeth that are sensitive to cold or heat To maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease, the Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.