Sore Gums: Causes

What causes sore gums?

Sore gums are caused by multiple factors that result in inflammation of the gums. Inflammation due to plaque on the teeth is responsible for many cases of sore gums. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria, which results in irritation of the gum line, swelling, and bleeding. For this reason, sore gums occur most frequently in people that do not practice good oral hygiene.

Less common causes of sore gums include a variety of conditions that irritate the gums, such as misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances. Medications such as birth control pills are also associated with sore gums. Sore gums may also develop during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes. Many people have sore gums to a varying degree at some point in their lives.

Common causes of sore gums

Sore gums may be caused by common oral conditions including:

• Canker sores
   
• Gingivitis (infection of the gums)
   
• Periodontitis (infection of the gum line involving the teeth and bones)
   
• Dry mouth from a variety of causes, including medications that reduce saliva in the mouth
   
• Ill-fitting dental restorations or dentures
   
• Poor dental hygiene or nutrition
   
• Tobacco use
   
• Viral, bacterial and fungal infections

Other causes of sore gums

Sore gums can also be caused by conditions affecting areas other than the gum including:

• Anemia
   
• Behcet’s syndrome (a condition that causes widespread inflammation of blood vessels)
   
• Cancer
   
• Diabetes
   
• Heart disease
   
• Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy
   
• Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
   
• Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)
   
• Substance abuse such as methamphetamine use

Serious or life-threatening causes of sore gums

In some cases, sore gums may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

• HIV/AIDS
   
• Oral cancer

Questions for diagnosing the cause of sore gums

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your sore gums including:

• How long have you felt sore gums?
   
• Where is the soreness in your gums?
   
• Do you have any other symptoms?
   
• What medications are you taking?
   
• How often do you get your teeth cleaned?

What are the potential complications of sore gums?

Because sore gums can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Abscess of gums
   
• Gingivitis (infection of the gums)
   
• Infection or abscess of jaw bones
   
• Periodontitis (infection of the gum line involving the teeth and bones)
   
• Spread of infection
   
• Teeth loss
   
• Trench mouth