Have you noticed pain in your gums? Or perhaps, when you brush your teeth or floss them, they start to hurt. If you’re experiencing sore gums, there are a number of things you can do.
Why do my gums hurt?
There are several reasons why your gums might start to hurt. One of the most common causes is cavity or periodontal disease. If you notice pain in your mouth, it’s important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose the cause of your pain and determine whether you need treatment. If left untreated, gum pain can lead to serious health issues, including tooth loss.
How can I prevent gum pain?
You can do a lot to prevent gum pain. Here are some suggestions:
- Don’t smoke. It’s better for your overall health, and it will make your breath smell better too!
- Brush and floss daily. These are the most important things you can do to protect your gums from infections and decay.
- Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist so that they can spot any problems as soon as they begin, rather than waiting until they become serious issues that require expensive treatment later on in life.
- Limit sugary foods like candy or soda pop by replacing them with healthy snacks instead—your teeth will thank you later!
How is gum pain treated at the dentist?
The 5 most common gum pain treatments include:
- Deep Cleaning Treatment: A deep cleaning treatment is a procedure that involves the use of a dental instrument to scrape away the plaque and tartar from your teeth. It can be done by a dentist or hygienist and usually takes about an hour.
- Antibiotics to Eradicate Bacteria: Antibiotics are a common treatment for gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can be treated with antibiotics, which help to reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria. If your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic, it’s important to follow his or her instructions exactly in order to get the most benefit from the medication.
- Periodontal Surgery to Repair Damage: If you’ve been experiencing gum pain, it could be because your gums have become inflamed or swollen. If this is the case, your periodontist may recommend a periodontal surgery procedure to repair damage to the gum tissue. There are different types of periodontal surgery available, depending on what kind of damage has occurred. Your dentist will inform you of the most appropriate surgery.
- Root Canal to Save a Tooth: If your tooth has become infected and the infection has spread to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal treatment may be necessary. The root canal procedure involves removing all of the tissue from the inside of your tooth, including any infected nerve. A root canal can save a tooth from having to be extracted or replaced with an artificial one.
- Tooth Extraction to Remove Damaged Teeth: A tooth extraction is a surgery that removes one or more damaged teeth. During this procedure, the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your gums and jaw before removing the affected tooth. Tooth extraction may be necessary for severe gum diseases, when you have decayed or cracked teeth, or when it would be too difficult to save an infected tooth. A dentist may also recommend a tooth extraction if they find that you have a number of loose teeth or non-restorable roots, as this could cause other problems in your mouth long term.
Gum pain should be taken seriously, but there are treatment options available now and in the future if you have gum disease or tooth decay.
Gum pain should be taken seriously, as it is often a sign of gum disease. If you suspect you have gum disease or tooth decay, don’t ignore the pain. It may be a sign that something needs to be done. Contact Litchfield Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. Don’t wait until it’s too late!