There are many causes of sore gums. The solution can often be relatively simple. In this article, we will discuss the internal causes of sore gums.
The most basic cause of swollen and bleeding gums is inadequate or ineffective oral hygiene. The cause of the sore gums is on the teeth at the gum line – bacteria that we call plaque and calculus. Proper and effective oral hygiene is the way to resolve the problem, including daily flossing and brushing with good technique and spending enough time to thoroughly clean the teeth. Bleeding and swollen gums are responses to what is growing on the teeth, so if the teeth are clean, then the gums will remain healthy.
The problem for many is that our mothers made us brush our teeth but never stressed flossing. Flossing is just as important because it helps clean the area between the teeth that the toothbrush does not reach. It’s never too late to make flossing a part of our regular routine. It’s just as important as brushing, maybe more so. The face of the tooth is somewhat self-cleaning. The area between the teeth never is. That is why no one complains of getting food caught on the face of the tooth, only in between.
Also, infections that originate in the teeth can make the gums around them sore, so your dentist or periodontist should check this. Remember that sore gums (called gingivitis) can lead to periodontitis, a much more serious problem that involves bone loss around the teeth and eventually loose teeth and tooth loss. Unfortunately, the gingivitis that precedes periodontitis progresses without significant signs or symptoms, so the best way to know that your mouth is healthy is with regular exams and cleanings with your periodontist.