Sore Gums: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with sore gums?

Sore gums may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the gums may also involve other body systems.

Common symptoms that may occur along with sore gums

Sore gums may accompany other symptoms affecting the gums including:

• Bleeding gums
   
• Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums
   
• Gums that are shiny
   
• Gums that are tender when touched but are painless otherwise
   
• Painful mouth sores that quickly turn to ulcers lasting 21 days or more
   
• Receding gums
   
• Sore smaller than about half an inch, or 12 millimeters, in diameter
   
• Swollen gums
   
• Ulcers with white or yellow center

Other symptoms that may occur along with sore gums

Sore gums may accompany other symptoms including:

• Bad breath
   
• Bleeding
   
• Diarrhea or constipation
   
• Loosening or loss of the teeth
   
• Nausea, which may be described as feelings of wooziness, queasiness, retching, sea-sickness, car-sickness, or an upset stomach
   
• Pale skin or pallor
   
• Sore tongue
   
• Swollen lymph nodes
   
• Unexplained weight loss
   
• Weakness, tiredness or light-headedness

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, sore gums may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have sore gums along with other serious symptoms including:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
   
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
   
• Severe gum bleeding