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Gum inflammation often begins with mild discomfort while brushing the teeth or eating. Over time, the gums may become sensitive, swollen, and begin to bleed. Even if these symptoms occur only near one tooth or disappear from time to time, they should not be ignored. Without treatment, the inflammation may spread deeper and lead to more serious gum problems.

In this article, we will explain why the gums hurt, how to recognize an inflammatory process, and when unpleasant sensations after dental treatment are a normal short-term reaction. We will also discuss how to relieve gum inflammation, what can be done safely at home, and which symptoms require a dentist consultation and diagnostics.

What gum inflammation looks like

Healthy gums usually have a uniform pale pink color, fit tightly around the teeth, and are not enlarged. Inflamed gums look red and swollen, while their edges become rounded and less distinct. The changes may affect a small area near one tooth or spread to the upper or lower jaw and be noticeable on both sides of the dental arch.

The surface of the gums may also change: it becomes smooth, shiny, or loose. The areas between the teeth swell and lose their usual pointed shape, while the gum edge sometimes pulls away from the tooth. With a pronounced inflammatory process, the swelling may partially cover the crown of the tooth.

It is not always possible to assess the condition of the gums solely by their appearance. Sometimes external changes are almost unnoticeable, so the dentist determines the exact cause and extent of the inflammatory process during an examination.

Why gums become inflamed

Most often, the inflammatory process begins because of bacterial plaque near the gum line and between the teeth. However, the causes of gum inflammation may vary, and in some cases several factors act simultaneously.

Gums may become inflamed because of:

  • the accumulation of bacterial plaque and the formation of tartar, especially between the teeth, in hard-to-reach areas, and when the teeth are crowded;
  • rubbing or pressure from an improperly fitted filling, crown, or dental prosthesis;
  • injury caused by a hard toothbrush, toothpick, or solid food;
  • dry mouth and insufficient saliva production;
  • hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause;
  • diabetes mellitus and other diseases that weaken the body’s protection against infections;
  • taking certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth;
  • smoking and a hereditary predisposition to gum disease.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease, while diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications, and heredity may also contribute to its development. When the inflammatory process is widespread, it is important to assess not only oral hygiene but also the general state of health.

Symptoms of gum inflammation

Symptoms of gum inflammation

At first, gum inflammation may cause almost no discomfort. Most often, a person notices blood while brushing the teeth, soreness, redness, or swelling. The symptoms do not always occur simultaneously and may remain mild for some time. However, if they recur regularly or become more severe, it is worth seeing a dentist. It should be taken into account that the severity of the inflammatory process cannot always be assessed by the intensity of pain and other symptoms.

Gum pain

Unpleasant sensations may be constant or occur only while brushing the teeth, eating, or pressing on the gum. Their nature also varies. A person may experience:

  • soreness and increased sensitivity to touch;
  • burning or a feeling of irritation;
  • aching pain near one tooth or over a larger area;
  • discomfort while chewing solid food.

In the early stages, gum inflammation often develops without pain. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), gum disease may not cause pronounced discomfort for a long time. Therefore, the absence of pain does not mean that the problem does not require attention.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note that sharp or throbbing pain that intensifies when biting may be associated not only with the gums but also with the tooth itself or inflammation around its root. It is difficult to determine the source of such sensations independently, so an examination by a dentist is necessary.

Swelling and redness of the gums

If the gums are swollen, redness usually appears at the same time. The tissues become more sensitive, so contact with a toothbrush or chewing may cause discomfort. Redness of the gums near the teeth may initially be minor, but it becomes more noticeable as the inflammation develops.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» warn that if swelling on the gum increases rapidly, the pain becomes throbbing, an unpleasant taste appears in the mouth, or the temperature rises, this may indicate the formation of an abscess. If the cheek becomes swollen or opening the mouth or swallowing becomes difficult, you should undergo a dental examination as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums

Blood most often appears while brushing the teeth, using dental floss, or chewing solid food. This happens because inflamed gums become more sensitive and are more easily injured.

A small amount of blood appearing once may be the result of accidental injury. Attention should be paid to this symptom if the bleeding:

  • occurs during almost every tooth brushing;
  • appears while chewing soft food;
  • begins without touching the gums;
  • is accompanied by pain, swelling, or bad breath.

Regular bleeding is often one of the symptoms of gingivitis, but it may also occur with other gum diseases. A dentist can determine its cause and assess the condition of the tissues during an examination.

Gum inflammation after treatment: when it is normal

After dental procedures, the gums sometimes become sensitive, swell slightly, or bleed. Such a reaction is acceptable if the symptoms are mild and become weaker each day. The duration of recovery depends on the treatment performed and the initial condition of the gums.

You should see the dentist again if:

  • the pain or swelling intensifies;
  • the unpleasant sensations do not subside within several days;
  • pus or an unpleasant taste appears in the mouth;
  • the temperature rises or the cheek becomes swollen;
  • the filling, crown, or dental prosthesis rubs, presses, or interferes with chewing.

Such symptoms may be associated not with normal recovery but with inflammation or a problem with the fitted restoration.

Gum swelling after dental treatment

Gum swelling after dental treatment

Slight swelling may occur after treatment of an area located close to the gum. It usually gradually decreases together with the soreness.

If the swelling appeared several days after the procedure or began to increase, the dentist should check the condition of the gums and tissues around the tooth root. You should not attempt to eliminate such a reaction on your own.

Gums hurt after filling

The gums may remain sensitive if the filling was placed near their edge. Mild soreness while brushing or touching usually passes quickly.

If food constantly becomes trapped between the teeth after filling and the floss catches, the shape of the filling should be checked. Pain when biting may also occur because of a filling that is too high and originate from the tooth rather than the gum.

Gums hurt after professional cleaning

After professional teeth cleaning, short-term soreness or bleeding may occur, especially if the gums were already inflamed. These symptoms should gradually decrease.

After deep cleaning, pain may persist for one or two days, while tooth sensitivity may last for up to a week, according to the American Dental Association. If the gums hurt for longer after cleaning, pronounced swelling appears, or the pain intensifies, you should undergo an examination by a dentist.

Gums are swollen under a crown

During the first few days after dental prosthetic treatment with a crown, the gums near its edge may be slightly sensitive. If the restoration is fitted correctly, the discomfort gradually passes and does not interfere with dental care.

Swelling that does not decrease for a long time or appears after some time may be associated with plaque accumulation, remnants of dental cement, or improper crown fit. It is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

Gums hurt under dental prostheses

After a new removable dental prosthesis is fitted, mild soreness may occur while the gums adapt to the pressure. However, the appliance should not press strongly, rub, or injure the mucous membrane. If pain constantly occurs in one place, it is necessary to consult a dentist for adjustment of the dental prosthesis.

Pain near a fixed dental prosthesis may be associated with the accumulation of plaque and food debris, gum inflammation, or problems with the supporting teeth. To determine the cause, the dentist performs an examination and evaluates the accuracy of the restoration’s fit and, if necessary, orders a jaw X-ray to check the condition of the supporting teeth.

How to treat gum inflammation

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that gum inflammation may be associated not only with gingivitis, periodontitis, or periodontosis. It also occurs with a periodontal abscess, inflammation of the tissues around a wisdom tooth or implant, an infection in the area of the tooth root, or injury caused by a filling, crown, or dental prosthesis. Therefore, treatment is selected after the cause has been determined.

With gingivitis, inflammation affects the gums but does not damage the tissues that hold the teeth in place. The basis of treatment is professional removal of plaque and tartar, as well as proper daily oral care.

With periodontitis and periodontosis, not only the gums but also the ligaments and bone tissue around the teeth are affected. In this case, scaling and root planing (SRP) are performed to remove subgingival plaque and tartar. In cases of significant damage, additional methods of periodontitis treatment are used, including flap surgery, bone grafting, and splinting of mobile teeth.

If severe gum inflammation occurs near an individual tooth, the dentist determines its source. For example, with a periodontal abscess, the infection must be eliminated; near a wisdom tooth, the inflamed area must be cleaned and the position of the tooth assessed; and in cases of injury caused by a filling, crown, or dental prosthesis, the restoration must be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Thus, gum treatment is aimed not only at reducing pain, swelling, and bleeding but primarily at eliminating the cause of the inflammatory process. It can be determined and appropriate procedures can be selected only after an examination and diagnostics.

What to do in case of gum inflammation

If the gums are red, swollen, painful, or bleeding, it is important not to stop daily hygiene. Plaque sustains the inflammatory process, so the teeth should be brushed regularly but carefully, without applying strong pressure to the gums.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

  • professional oral hygiene;
  • cleaning the surfaces of the tooth roots below the gums;
  • treatment of the tooth near which the inflammation occurred;
  • adjustment or replacement of a filling, crown, or dental prosthesis;
  • the use of topical medications when indicated.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that if the inflammation is caused by plaque or tartar, the condition of the gums gradually improves after they are removed. With periodontitis, an abscess, or tooth disease, appropriate treatment is necessary because ordinary rinsing does not eliminate the problem in such cases.

How to relieve gum inflammation at home

Home care may reduce irritation, bleeding, and discomfort, but it does not replace the primary treatment. In particular, tartar, deep periodontal pockets, or an infection near the tooth root cannot be eliminated using home remedies.

At home, it is recommended to:

  • brush the teeth correctly twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste;
  • carefully clean the area along the gum line without applying strong pressure;
  • remove plaque between the teeth once a day using floss or properly selected interdental brushes;
  • rinse the mouth with plain water after eating to remove food debris;
  • temporarily avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, and solid foods;
  • not touch the swelling with your hands or attempt to squeeze out pus;
  • not warm the painful area or take antibiotics without medical advice.

Even if the gums bleed, you should not stop brushing the teeth completely. Care should remain regular but as gentle as possible.

What to rinse the mouth with for gum inflammation at home

For temporary relief, a mild saline solution can be used: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. You can also rinse the mouth with plain water after eating or use a pharmacy mouthwash for the gums.

Products containing chlorhexidine are used for a short course on the recommendation of a dentist. Prolonged use may cause changes in taste and the appearance of pigmented plaque on the teeth.

Undiluted hydrogen peroxide or concentrated salt and baking soda solutions should not be used because they may irritate the mucous membrane. Rinsing helps reduce discomfort but does not replace tooth brushing and treatment of the cause of the inflammation.

When to see a dentist

When to see a dentist

Minor bleeding may occur once because of overly vigorous tooth brushing or injury to the gums from solid food. If the symptom recurs, persists, or is accompanied by other changes, it is worth undergoing an examination. Gum diseases often develop without severe pain, so the absence of pronounced discomfort does not mean that treatment is unnecessary.

You should make an appointment with a dentist if:

  • the gums regularly bleed while brushing the teeth or eating;
  • redness, swelling, or soreness does not go away;
  • persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste has appeared in the mouth;
  • the gums pull away from the teeth and their necks become more visible;
  • pus is discharged between the gums and teeth;
  • the teeth have become mobile or their position has changed;
  • inflammation constantly occurs near one tooth, crown, implant, or dental prosthesis.

A timely examination helps determine the cause of the inflammation and begin treatment before complications develop. It is especially important not to postpone the visit if the symptoms recur regularly or gradually become more severe.

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not an instruction for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If symptoms of a disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

American Academy of Periodontology

American Dental Association