Emergency Dentist for
Sore Gums in Houston, TX

Causes of Sore Gums

There are many things that can cause sore gums, ranging from mild to serious. In some cases, gum issues don’t cause immediate pain. Some of the most common causes of sore gums include:

• Gum disease: typically develops due to not practicing proper oral hygiene and must be treated by a dentist. If left untreated, can advance, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
• Canker sores: these sores usually look like red splotches and can show up anywhere in your mouth. They usually clear up on their own within a week or two.
• Using tobacco products: tobacco use increases your risk of developing gum disease and can also cause oral cancer
• Hormones: hormonal changes throughout your life can have an impact on your gum health
• Dental abscess: this is a pus pocket that develops near the base of an infected tooth and may or may not be painful.
• Oral cancer: usually begins as a sore that won’t heal

There are some things you can do at home to treat sore gums, including:

• OTC pain relievers
• Rinse with warm saltwater
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush