Causes of painful gum

Painful gums may be inflamed by plaque, injured by food or brushing, irritated around an erupting tooth, or affected by a tooth or gum infection.

Inflamed gingiva can feel sore and bleed, while pain beside one tooth can arise from a periodontal pocket, decay, a cracked tooth, or an abscess. Dentures, braces, burns, ulcers, and clenching can also injure the gum surface.

Rinse gently, remove trapped food with floss, brush with a soft brush, and use only pain medicines that are suitable for you and taken as directed. Do not lance a swelling or place caustic substances on the gum.

Seek prompt dental care for severe or localized pain, swelling, pus, fever, a bad taste, or a loose tooth. Emergency assessment is needed if infection affects the face, neck, breathing, or swallowing.

Ask which tissue is causing the pain, whether decay or infection is present, and whether treatment involves cleaning, a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or periodontal care.