Sores inside gums
Sores inside the gums are usually ulcers, irritation, or infection, and the appearance and duration guide the next step.
The short answer
A sore inside the gum is a break or inflamed area in the gum lining, often caused by trauma, an ulcer, plaque-related inflammation, or a dental infection.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The sore may be an aphthous ulcer, a scrape from a sharp tooth, inflammation around a partially erupted tooth, or a draining dental abscess. A dentist examines the ulcer, gum margin, teeth, and nearby tissues to distinguish these causes.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, use a soft toothbrush, and avoid tobacco, alcohol-containing mouthwash, and foods that sting. Do not pop a swelling or place aspirin directly on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange an examination if the sore lasts beyond two weeks, keeps returning, bleeds easily, or is accompanied by tooth pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the lesion is an ulcer, trauma, gum disease, or a tooth infection, and which treatment is appropriate. Ask what changes should prompt urgent care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point to remember?
The sore may be an aphthous ulcer, a scrape from a sharp tooth, inflammation around a partially erupted tooth, or a draining dental abscess.
What should I do if it persists?
Arrange an examination if the sore lasts beyond two weeks, keeps returning, bleeds easily, or is accompanied by tooth pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing.