What to do if your gum is sore

For a sore gum, clean gently, avoid further irritation, and arrange dental care if pain or swelling persists.

Gum soreness can arise from inflamed gingiva, trauma, a food fragment, an ulcer, a tooth infection, or wisdom-tooth inflammation.

Use a soft brush, clean carefully between teeth, choose softer foods briefly, and avoid tobacco and irritating foods; never put aspirin directly on gum tissue.

Seek care for severe or recurring soreness, pus, bleeding, fever, a loose tooth, or facial swelling, especially with swallowing or breathing difficulty.

Ask whether the painful area is the gum, tooth, pocket, wisdom tooth, or oral lining, and how it should be cleaned while the cause is treated.