Throbbing Gum Pain: Causes and Treatments
Published April 3, 2023
If you’re experiencing pain in the periodontal tissue, this could be a symptom of a serious problem with your oral health. Gum discomfort may be accompanied by swelling, abscesses, or a foul taste in your mouth. It is not possible to determine the cause of throbbing gum pain only on its symptoms, nor is it possible to see injuries. Therefore, it is important to visit a dentist for throbbing gum pain as soon as possible.
Causes and Treatments of Throbbing Gum Pain
It’s important to identify the root cause of the pain and schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist, whether the discomfort came suddenly or has been building up gradually. So, what are the possible causes?
1. Canker Sores
Aphthous ulcers, more commonly known as canker sores, are small, shallow lesions that can appear on the soft tissues of the mouth or at the gum line. Canker sores, unlike cold sores, do not appear on the lips’ surface and are not contagious. Yet, they can cause throbbing gum pain and make it difficult to eat and speak.
After a week or two, canker sores typically heal on their own. But, consult your dentist if your canker sores are unusually large or painful or if they do not appear to be healing.
2. Periodontitis
Also known as gum disease, periodontitis is a serious gum infection that affects the soft tissue surrounding teeth. Periodontitis, if left untreated, can result in the deterioration of the bone that supports your teeth. This may result in tooth loss or loosening of the tooth.
Periodontitis affects a lot of people, but it’s typically avoidable with good oral hygiene. It is usually the result of not treating the mouth and teeth properly. To help avoid periodontitis or increase the likelihood of a successful treatment, you must brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss every day, and have regular dental checkups.
3. Oral Trush
Oral thrush appears as white, creamy lesions on your inner cheeks or tongue. Moreover, it can spread to the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat, the gums, or the tonsils. In most cases, thrush is brought on by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida.
Antifungal medications are commonly used to treat thrush. Often, doctors will prescribe nystatin or miconazole as drops, gel, or lozenges.
4. Enamel Issue
When the enamel on your teeth wears down, it can make them sensitive, especially to hot and cold. Moreover, you may experience a stinging or throbbing gum pain.
Some individuals find relief with toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth, while others find relief from avoiding triggers. Yet, it is important to visit a dentist to address the underlying enamel damage. Treatment may include a filling, a crown, or the sealing of the tooth.
5. Orthodontics Devices
New or newly adjusted orthodontic devices move the teeth slowly. This teeth movement can cause pain, pressure, or a throbbing sensation in the gums. The pain is neither dangerous nor an indication that something is to be worried about.
Typically, over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can be used to treat the pain. Nonetheless, you should consult an orthodontist if the discomfort is unbearable or if it does not lessen after a few days.
6. Brushing
Gum pain, as well as recession, can be caused by forceful tooth brushing, especially when using a toothbrush with hard bristles. Although brushing your teeth and gums is necessary, you should do so gently, using a toothbrush with a soft-bristled brush head. In addition to causing throbbing gum pain, excessively hard brushing can also damage tooth enamel.
Visit Your Doctor Immediately
If you are having throbbing gum pain, you should visit the dentist. Meanwhile, you can get relief through the use of home remedies. Start with a rinse of saline solution. The next step is to gargle the solution in your mouth and then spit it out. Placing a cold compress on your face may help minimize the discomfort.
Also helpful are over-the-counter painkiller medications and oral anesthetics. See your dentist immediately if the throbbing gum pain lasts for more than a couple of days or is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
