Any pain overshadows a person’s life. His mood deteriorates, his working capacity decreases, his general health worsens. If the gum hurts, it is difficult to eat, drink and even talk normally. Discomfort may intensify at night. To ignore this condition, drowning out pain with analgesics, is dangerous. It may indicate the development of a dangerous pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a dentist as soon as possible to find out what the gum hurts from.
Gum pain
The gum is the mucous membrane of the alveolar process. Pain can occur in it due to an improperly selected brush. Too hard villi injure the delicate mucosa. Inaccurate movements with dental floss can also damage the gums. If this happens, you will need to change the brush to a softer one. And also do not use the thread until the gum heals.
It happens that the gums hurt a lot after removing tartar or treating caries. During dental procedures, the doctor may damage the mucous membrane. In this case, taking analgin and soda rinses several times a day will help. The tissue will recover quickly and the pain will pass.
The sharp part of the filling is capable of injuring the gum. The dentist always polishes it after application. But due to the action of anesthesia, the patient may not feel the sharp edges and find them already at home. Only a dentist can correct the situation. The patient will need to come for a second appointment. The doctor will remove those parts of the seal that could injure the gum or tongue.
Braces and dentures can damage tissues. The patient will not be able to correct this situation on his own. He will have to seek help from a doctor who will regulate the dental design. After that, the problem will disappear.
The situations listed above do not threaten the health of the gums and teeth. As soon as the external factor that injured the tissue is removed, it will heal and the pain will disappear.
Dry hole
It is not uncommon for a patient to have a gum ache after tooth extraction. There is a classic complication called alveolitis or dry hole. After the removal of eights, it occurs in 30% of cases. If another tooth was pulled out, the risk of developing this complication is reduced to 5%.
A dry hole is formed due to the fact that a blood clot, which should protect the wound from infection and contribute to its healing, is removed or not formed at all. If this happens, the cavity is exposed and a bone can be seen in it. Pathology is accompanied by such symptoms:
- Very severe pain in the gums, which can spread to the neck and head.
- The temperature rises to 38 degrees.
- Swelling of the gums.
- General weakness.
- Isolation of pus.
- The appearance of bad breath.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
Most often, the pathology occurs due to the fault of the patient. For example, during intensive rinses, with poor oral hygiene, smoking and ignoring the recommendations of the dentist. But there are situations when the responsibility for the development of alveolitis lies entirely with the doctor. This happens when he leaves a cyst in the hole, a fragment of a tooth or uses an anesthetic with too much dose of a vasoconstrictor.
Infection from a dry hole can spread to the entire bone tissue of the jaw. Therefore, if the gum hurts after tooth extraction, it is necessary to consult a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will clear the hole of the remnants of food, granulation and pus. Then fill it with an antiseptic and apply a bandage with an analgesic. If necessary, prescribe antibiotics to the patient.
Gingivitis
Gum disease, which does not lead to tooth loss or loosening, is called gingivitis. Pathology develops against a background of insufficient oral hygiene. It is found in most adults and adolescents. Therefore, when a patient turns to the dentist with a question about what causes the gums to hurt, the doctor will first suspect this particular pathology.
The inflammatory process occurs due to microbial accumulations and toxins secreted by them. Pathology occurs in patients with varying degrees of activity. It depends on the immunity of the patient. Patients are concerned about pain, swelling and bleeding of the gums. In the event that the pathology has a hermetic shape, the formation of ulcers is possible. Leave the problem unattended. Without treatment, the pathology will turn into periodontitis.
Periodontitis
A careless attitude to health and a lack of proper treatment of gingivitis can lead to the development of such a pathology as periodontitis. As a result of the negative impact of microorganisms, gum tissue is damaged. Bacteria produce acids, toxins, allergens and enzymes that lead to inflammation.
At the initial stage of the disease during brushing, bleeding and swelling of the gums are observed. At this time, the development of pathology can still be stopped on its own, with the help of hygiene measures and correctly selected medical toothpaste.
In the event that the patient ignores the problem, the inflammation spreads deeper. The patient begins to feel serious discomfort and turns to the dentist with a question about why the gums hurt. After examining the patient, the doctor will conduct hygienic cleaning and prescribe local preparations to reduce negative feelings and fight microorganisms.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a fairly rare pathology. According to statistics, only 8 patients out of 100 who applied to the dental clinic with a question about why the gums hurt, this diagnosis is made. The reasons for the development of periodontal disease have not yet been found. This significantly complicates its treatment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the pathology.
Periodontal disease is a dystrophic rather than inflammatory disease. For an unknown reason, the blood supply to the alveolar process is deteriorating. Because of this, all his tissues gradually atrophy, the necks of the teeth are exposed and they fall out.
At the initial stages of the development of pathology, patients feel itching, pain and throbbing in the gums. The necks of the teeth are exposed and their sensitivity increases. Then gum pockets form, but there is no tissue inflammation.
It is not recommended to treat periodontal disease alone. All that a patient can do at home is to carefully monitor oral hygiene. The treatment of this pathology should be handled by a professional. Only competent actions will stop the disease or slow down its development.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a common disease that affects tissues adjacent to the root of the tooth. This happens when the infection enters the root canal, moves along it to the very base. The following factors can provoke the development of pathology:
- Deep caries.
- Periodontal disease.
- Injuries.
- Defects when installing crowns or fillings.
- Malocclusion.
- ENT infection.
- Poor treatment of pulpitis.
Periodontitis begins with aching pain in a particular tooth. Then the gums blush and swell. At first, discomfort is felt only if you click on it. Then the pain becomes constant. Gradually, the patient's face swells from the affected side.
Taking painkillers and delaying a call to the doctor in this case is very dangerous. A complication such as flux or osteomyelitis may develop. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor if the tooth has become sensitive, lymph nodes have increased and gums hurt. How to treat the pathology, the doctor will decide only after confirming the diagnosis. In most cases, surgical treatment is required.
Stomatitis
According to statistics, stomatitis is the most common pathology that affects the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The disease most often occurs due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. In addition, its development can provoke vitamin deficiency, a decrease in immunity, poor-quality prostheses and malignant tumors.
With the disease, soreness, bleeding and swelling of the gums are noted. The mucous membrane is covered with a coating of white or yellow. Hypersalivation, ulceration and the appearance of an unpleasant odor also develop.
Modern medicine still does not have special tests to help identify this disease. Therefore, when a patient comes to the doctor with complaints and the question of why the gums hurt, the doctor conducts a visual examination. Having found characteristic symptoms, he makes a diagnosis.
Drug treatment
Pain in the gums, which appeared due to an injury with a hard brush or floss, can be removed at home. For this, it is best to use topical preparations:
- Gel "Dentinox N". It contains lidocaine, which instantly relieves pain. In addition, the gel inhibits the growth of dangerous bacteria, soothes the mucous membrane and restores blood circulation in the gums. The tool is applied to the damaged area of the gums.
- Denthol. Another local gel-based pain reliever. The drug contains benzocaine, which instantly relieves discomfort.
- "Kamistad". The gel contains lidocaine and infusion of chamomile flowers. The drug relieves pain and inflammation. It also has antibacterial properties.
- Calgel. The active substance is lidocaine hydrochloride. The gel instantly blocks pain impulses. In addition, it eliminates bleeding and kills pathogenic flora.
In the event that a person does not understand the causes of pain in the gums, you should immediately consult a doctor. This will help to avoid the development of complications. After the examination, the doctor will explain the cause of the discomfort and conduct the necessary treatment.
When the mucous membrane becomes hyperemic and the gums hurt, what to do at home should be explained in detail by the attending physician. Incorrect patient actions can complicate the situation. For example, the use of a warm alcohol compress in some cases can provoke a serious exacerbation. Therefore, before letting the patient go home, the dentist will prescribe him the necessary medicines and tell you in detail how to take them.
Depending on the pathology, the doctor may prescribe such drugs:
- Painkillers. This includes: Nimesil, Tempalgin, Nurofen, Solpadein, Ketorol, Pentalgin.
- Antibiotics and antifungal drugs. Dentists prefer Ciprofloxacin, Natamycin, Metronidazole, Nystatin, or Linkomycin.
- Antiseptics. Chlorhexidine, Iodoform and Hexetidine have proven themselves well.
- Antihistamines. This group includes Loratadin, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine.
Folk ways to relieve pain
A disease can catch a person on the road or on vacation. If you can’t get an appointment with a dentist, you must contact him by phone. The patient should describe in detail all the symptoms, tell how and where the gum hurts. What to do at home to alleviate the condition, the doctor must explain. He warns against improper actions that can aggravate the situation, and tells you how to relieve pain before visiting the clinic.
At home, you can use the following recipes:
- Rinsing your mouth is recommended with strong saline, infusion of chamomile or sage. It is also possible to mix hydrogen peroxide with water in equal proportions.
- Grind one tablet of dipyrone and aspirin. Mix the powders, pour on a cotton swab and apply to the gum.
- Rub sea buckthorn oil into the affected area every three hours.
- Warm compresses can be done only if the doctor has allowed it. Otherwise, it can be dangerous. For a compress, you can use a warm bag of black, green or chamomile tea.
- Honey has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. It can be rubbed into the affected area.
Prevention
A person who has severe gum pain cannot think of anything else. It is difficult for him to drink, eat, and even talk. You can reduce the risk of developing such a pathology yourself. To do this, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Carefully monitor oral hygiene. Get a quality soft brush and a suitable toothpaste. In addition, it is important to use rinses, for example, Listerine.
- Visit your dentist regularly. After tooth extraction or other manipulations, strictly follow all doctor's recommendations.
- Eat more foods rich in vitamin C. This will help strengthen the gums and relieve inflammation.
- To refuse from bad habits. First of all, from smoking.
- Eat balanced.
- Eat as little sugar-containing foods as possible.
- Replace coffee with green tea. Scientists have proven that the substances that make up this drink reduce bleeding gums.