Pain in gums is often a warning sign of a specific, underlying dental or periodontal issue. So what can you do when your gums are hurting in one spot? The key to treating your localized gum pain is understanding why your gums are hurting.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common causes of gum pain in one spot, how to identify if it’s serious, and the most effective treatments to keep your smile healthy and pain-free. If you need fractured tooth replacement in Utah, we have offices conveniently located near Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Lehi, and West Jordan.
Why Do My Gums Hurt in One Spot?
If your gums hurt in just one spot, it’s usually a sign of localized irritation or infection rather than a problem affecting your entire mouth. Luckily, pain in one spot is often easy to diagnose. Minor issues can often heal on their own, but more serious issues will need professional treatment.
Common reasons for localized pain in gums include:
- Food trapped between your teeth
- Canker sores or mouth ulcers
- Viral infections like herpes
- Irritation from brushing or flossing too hard
- Gingivitis
- Gum infections
- Gum recession
- Tooth abscesses
- Dental restoration issues
- Impacted teeth.
Early treatment is essential and can prevent more serious problems that may put your teeth at risk.
What Causes Pain in Gums?
Ever wonder what causes pain in gums? Since they are made of soft tissues, your gums are pretty sensitive to any type of discomfort. Pain in gums can happen for many reasons, ranging from minor irritation to more serious dental problems.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common reasons your gums may hurt in one spot.
Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is one of the most common causes of gum pain. Gingivitis happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along your gumline. If you don’t remove the plaque through proper brushing and flossing, the bacteria can irritate your gums, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
The best way to prevent gum inflammation is to take care of your teeth with proper hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily, making sure you brush along the gumlines, and floss daily. Additionally, it’s important to regularly visit your dentist for professional cleanings.
Gum Infection
Sometimes, localized pain in gums can occur due to a gum infection. This typically happens when bacteria enters your gum tissue and begins to multiply. This can lead to a gum abscess, or a pocket of pus that forms in the gums. Gum infections can be quite painful and typically happen because of poor oral hygiene, underlying dental issues, or an injury.
One of the most noticeable signs of a gum infection is pain in one specific area that is sharp, throbbing, or constant. You might also see a small, pimple-like bump on the gum. Gum infections need to be treated by a dentist and usually do not resolve on their own. If you think your gum pain is from an infection, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Gum Recession
Gum recession is another common cause of pain in gums in one spot. It occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or even the root underneath. When your gum tissue recedes, you may experience pain, sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, and tenderness in one specific area.
Gum recession can be caused by brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, gum disease, teeth grinding or clenching, and genetic factors.
If you notice gum recession, you should see a dentist early. Prompt treatment can help prevent further damage and reduce discomfort.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is another common cause of pain in a specific area of the gum. Tooth abscesses occur when bacteria enters the inner area of the tooth called the pulp. The infection can spread to the root and surrounding gum tissue, causing severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Tooth abscesses often happen because of untreated tooth decay, cracked or damaged teeth, or advanced gum disease. These issues allow bacteria to enter the tooth and create an infection.
Tooth abscesses will not heal on their own and need to be treated quickly. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your body and cause more serious health problems.
Dental Restoration Issues
Dental restorations like fillings, crowns, bridges, or veneers are designed to protect and restore damaged teeth. However, when these restorations become worn, loose, or damaged, they can cause pain in gums, often in one specific location.
One common problem is a loose or ill-fitting crown or filling. When a restoration doesn’t fit properly, it can create small gaps where bacteria and food particles collect. The buildup can irritate the surrounding gum tissue.
If you’re experiencing pain in your gums after a restoration, contact your dentist. They can check that the restoration is properly fitted and may repair or replace it to reduce irritation.
Impacted Tooth
When a tooth is unable to fully emerge through the gums, it becomes impacted. This is most common with wisdom teeth, but can happen with other teeth as well. Impacted teeth cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in a specific area.
One of the main reasons impacted teeth hurt is that they create pressure under the gums. In some cases, the tooth may partially break through, leaving an opening where bacteria and food particles can collect. If left untreated, an impacted tooth can lead to gum infections, damage of nearby teeth, or cyst formation.
Can It Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes, pain in your gums can go away on its own, but it depends on the cause. Minor gum irritation can heal within a few days. More serious issues, like gum disease, abscesses, impacted teeth, dental restoration, or advanced recession, need professional treatment from a dentist.
See a dentist as soon as possible if:
- Your pain lasts longer than 3 to 5 days
- Your gums are swollen, bleeding, or have pus
- You notice a bump on your gums
- The pain is severe or worsening
Gum Pain Treatment
Gum pain treatment depends on the reason for the discomfort. For mild gum pain, at-home treatment includes:
- Gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Gentle flossing
- Warm salt water rinses
- Improved oral hygiene
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until your gums heal
If you have a more serious case of painful gums, you’ll need to see your dentist or periodontist. Treatment may include:
- Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar along the gumline
- Scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or abscesses
- Dental restoration, repair, or replacement to stop irritation.
- Tooth extraction or other surgical treatment for impacted teeth or severe infections
Pain in Gums Conclusion
Localized pain in your gums is a pain to deal with, but prompt treatment is essential and can prevent problems from worsening. While some issues are minor, many causes of gum pain require professional treatment from a dentist or periodontist.
Whether you’re dealing with severe gum inflammation, a tooth abscess, or an impacted tooth, Utah Periodontal Specialists can help. With offices in South Jordan and Salt Lake City, our friendly team is dedicated to providing the best care for patients in the Salt Lake area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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