Treatment for Sore Gums

Poor oral hygiene is the main reason behind most dental problems. While most people think that dental caries or tooth infections warrant a visit to the dentist, gum problems are often ignored. However, there's a need to realize that gum infections should not be ignored.

If left untreated, the problem of gingivitis could progress to periodontal disease, which is a serious dental problem that is characterized by damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In severe cases, it could lead to tooth loss. So, if your gums often bleed, and feel sore, it's advisable to consult a dentist.

Proper oral hygiene is essential for keeping the gums and teeth healthy. Gum irritation is most likely to occur in the following cases:

➻ Brushing the teeth vigorously
➻ Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
➻ Poor oral hygiene

Gum problems are more likely to occur in people who don't brush and floss their teeth regularly. When we eat sugary or starchy food, the bacteria in our mouth interact with the starch or sugar. This leads to the formation of plaque on the teeth.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that can be removed only by brushing and flossing the teeth daily. If one doesn't follow a dental hygiene regimen, plaque under the gum line continues to harden and forms tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by just brushing or flossing the teeth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums (gingiva), causing gingivitis.

If left untreated, plaque continues to form and grow under the gum line. Bacteria continue to grow, and produce toxins that irritate the gums. These toxins start damaging the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth.

With time, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, thereby leading to the formation of pockets that become infected. Over time, the pockets continue to deepen, and the bones, gums, and tissue get destroyed. Eventually, the tooth becomes loose, and has to be removed.

As the gums are irritated and inflamed, one is likely to experience the following symptoms:

➻ Red, puffy, or tender gums
➻ Gums bleed while brushing or flossing
➻ Receding gums that make the teeth look longer
➻ Pockets between the teeth and gums

➻ Changes in the way the teeth fit together while biting
➻ Pus between the teeth and gums
➻ Bad breath
➻ Bad taste in your mouth

It's advisable to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of the dental problem. Scaling and root planing would be required for removing plaque or tartar. Antibiotics or other drugs might be prescribed in some cases. In severe cases, surgery might be recommended.

If your gums feel sore, you can follow certain home remedies to get relief from pain. These include:

➻ Applying aloe vera on the affected area might help provide relief.
➻ After every meal, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will lower the risk of infections.
➻ Apply a paste of salt and ginger to the affected area.

➻Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
➻ Use a good-quality mouthwash that doesn't contain alcohol.
➻ Brush and floss your teeth twice. Also, you can use an interdental cleaner to clean between the teeth.
➻ Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

➻Lack of vitamin C could make one susceptible to gum problems. So, include food items that are rich in vitamin C to your diet.
➻ Massage your gums gently. This will improve blood circulation.
➻ Add juice extracted from a fresh lemon to a glass of water. Gargle with this solution to get rid of bad breath.

On a concluding note, following a proper dental hygiene regimen would certainly prove beneficial. However, it's advisable to visit your dentist every six months to ensure that your teeth are and remain in a good condition.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.