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What Causes Gum Pain?

What Causes Gum Pain?

Gum pain is a common problem that negatively affects many people's quality of life. Gum pain can have many causes and is often directly related to neglecting oral health. The most common causes of gum disease  are as follows:

1.Gingivitis

One of the most common causes of gum pain is gingivitis. This condition usually occurs as a result of the accumulation of dental plaque. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth and at the gum line. If teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly, accumulated plaque causes sore gums. Gingivitis can lead to more serious gum diseases if not treated early.

Gingivitis usually begins with the building of plaque and tartar that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer that accumulates on the teeth as a result of food residues and bacteria coming together. If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens over time and turns into a more durable structure called tartar. This shows us the importance of brushing teeth. This tartar settles at the gum line, causing inflammation of the gums and tooth loss.

Gingivitis causes gum tissue to become red, tender and bleeding gums. This is one of the main factors that trigger gum pain. Inflammation causes many changes in the gum tissue, causing the nerve endings to become more sensitive. As a result, gums and teeth can cause pain and discomfort with even light touch.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis usually consists of untreated gum inflammation. Plaque that accumulates in the mouth causes gingivitis, and if this inflammation is not  treated, the plague spreads below the gum line.

Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots and creating spaces called pockets. These pockets become an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate, leading to deeper infection. As a result, the bone tissue that supports the teeth weakens, which can lead to loosening of the teeth, swollen gums, canker sores, or tooth loss. The main feature of periodontitis is severe inflammation of the gums. This inflammation causes the sore gums to become swollen, red, and tender. This inflammation in the gums makes the nerve endings and root canal more sensitive, leading to gum pain. Swollen gums can cause pain when eating or brushing teeth.

Periodontitis causes pockets to form below the gum line, which allows bacteria to accumulate. These pockets become a constant source of infection in the gums and continue to negatively affect gum health.

Toxins produced by bacteria and inflamed tissues are factors that increase gum pain. The spread of infections caused by vitamin deficiency and lack of oral hygiene can cause aggravation of pain and further damage to the gums. This is one of the factors affecting our general health condition.

As periodontitis progresses, the gums recede from the teeth and the tooth roots are exposed. This condition increases sensitivity in teeth and gums. Exposed tooth roots become extremely sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods, which is one of the important sources of gum pain.

3. Inadequate Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of gum pain. If oral health is not paid enough attention, bacteria and plaque accumulation in the mouth increases, leading to gingivitis and more serious gum diseases. Gum pain is one of the most common symptoms of this process. Over time, it can turn into more serious health problems and negatively affect our immune system.

When not brushing your teeth regularly, not using dental floss and not paying attention to oral hygiene causes plaque accumulation on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky layer filled with bacteria and food debris. If plaque is not removed, it hardens over time and turns into a more durable structure called tartar. Tartar accumulates below the gum line, causing the gums to become inflamed and fragile.

Gingivitis, which occurs due to inadequate oral hygiene, causes swelling, redness and sensitivity in the gums. This makes the nerve endings of the gums more sensitive and can cause pain even with slight pressure. Inflammation in the gums causes tissues to weaken and infections to spread more easily. As a result, gum pain increases and a feeling of discomfort occurs in the mouth.

Poor oral hygiene can cause the number of bacteria in the mouth to increase and cause infection in the gums. Bacterial infections cause weakening of the gums, inflammation, and pain. They even affect the blood flow to the gums. Additionally, if left untreated, these infections can lead to tooth loss and more serious health problems.

4. Improper Brushing and Flossing

Brushing your teeth too hard or using dental floss incorrectly can damage and irritate your gums. Constant exposure of the gums to trauma can cause gum recession and pain over time. Thinning and stretching of gum tissue increases sensitivity and pain.

5. Gum Recession

Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue moves away from the tooth and the tooth roots are exposed. This condition usually occurs due to aging, harsh tooth brushing, periodontitis and some genetic factors. Exposure of tooth roots increases the sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold, causing pain.

During pregnancy, there is a significant increase in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones increase blood flow to the gums, causing the tissues to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation. This condition is called “pregnancy gingivitis” and occurs in approximately 60-75% of pregnant women. Pregnancy gingivitis is manifested by swelling, redness and tenderness in the gums. These symptoms are the main causes of gum pain.

During pregnancy, the immune system changes to protect the health of the mother and baby. These changes increase the body's ability to cope with infections and make the gums susceptible to bacterial accumulation. Plaque and bacteria accumulating on the gums can lead to progression of pregnancy gingivitis and periodontitis, a more serious gum disease. Periodontitis can cause damage to the bone tissue that supports the gums and lead to tooth loss. Therefore, gum pain becomes more severe.

During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases significantly. This increase may cause the gums to swell and increase sensitivity. This swelling in the gums causes the nerve endings to become more sensitive, thus triggering gum pain. Pain may be felt in the gums, especially when eating or brushing your teeth.

6. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy is a special period when many physiological changes occur in a woman's body. These changes can also affect oral and dental health. Gum pain is a common problem, especially during pregnancy, and this condition is caused by factors such as hormonal changes, changes in the immune system and increased blood volume. Paying attention to gum health during pregnancy is of great importance for the general health of both the mother and the baby.

7. Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease. Smoking can damage gum tissues, triggering inflammation and leading to gum pain. In addition, the symptoms of gum diseases in smokers may not be noticed due to the effect of cigarette smoke on blood circulation, which causes the pain to be noticed later.

8. Eating Habits

Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition can negatively affect gum health. Vitamin C deficiency, in particular, can cause weakening and inflammation of the gums. Additionally, excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages accelerates plaque formation, leading to gum diseases.

9. Tartar 

Tartar is formed by the hardening of plaque on the teeth and can put pressure on the gums and cause inflammation. If tartar is not removed, it may cause gum recession and pain. When tartar is not cleaned, gum diseases and pain become inevitable.

Dentaliva: Expert Approach to Gum Pain

At Dentaliva, gum pain treatment is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. The clinic's expert dentists meticulously evaluate each patient's gum health and create the most appropriate treatment plan, producing peer-reviewed studies. This personalized approach is one of the most important elements that distinguishes Dentaliva from others. Determining the root cause of gum pain and applying the most effective treatment method for this problem is among the priorities of the clinic.

Dentaliva is a technique that offers its patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options by using the latest technologies in gum treatment. Laser treatment is one of the most advanced technologies used in the treatment of gum diseases, and this technology is used effectively at Dentaliva. Laser gum treatments both reduce pain and accelerate the healing process. This helps patients feel less discomfort and return to their normal lives more quickly.

Treating gum pain can be worrying for many people. However, patients' comfort is always at the forefront at Dentaliva. The clinic's relaxing environment and patient-friendly approach ensure that the treatment process is as stress-free as possible. Dentaliva takes all necessary precautions to make its patients feel comfortable and makes the treatment process transparent by informing them at every step. This is a great advantage, especially for patients who are afraid of dental treatment or have had previous negative experiences.

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