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Pain in the gum
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Toothache in the gums is a fairly common problem, and the reasons for its occurrence may be different. However, you should not postpone treatment, as this may be a signal that the situation is neglected and requires urgent intervention.
Brief description
The gum is a mucous membrane that is located in the oral cavity and covers the alveolar parts of the jaws. The alveolar process is covered with a bright mucous membrane (unlike the keratinized epithelium), through which you can see thin capillaries. The keratinized epithelium of the gum is a lighter matte shade. During food processing, the gums are stressed, which in turn affects the condition of the epithelium and connective tissue. The gum consists of many layers of epithelium and its own plate. There are three types of epithelium: the epithelium of the groove, the oral cavity and connective. The epithelium of the interdental papillae can become keratinized, and its layers are divided into basal, spinous, granular and horny. You may not suspect for a long time that your gums need treatment, since the symptoms of diseases may not be immediately detected, they are almost invisible. Therefore, it is worth accepting the fact that gum pain is a serious problem.
Main Causes of Gum Pain
One of the most common gum diseases that occurs without obvious symptoms is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum lesion caused by bacteria that are located on the mucous layer of the epithelium. This disease causes itching and irritation, which can lead to gum pain and bleeding. The gum separates from the tooth, creating a gap in which even more plaque accumulates. If the disease is not stopped in time, gingivitis gradually develops into a more serious disease - periodontitis. In this case, bacteria affect the bone and tissue even deeper - in the place where the tooth is attached. Diseases of this nature can most often be caused by the following reasons:
- failure to observe oral hygiene rules
- pregnancy, menstruation, hormonal surges, puberty
- Vitamin C deficiency, hypovitaminosis
The next common disease is stomatitis - inflammation of the oral epithelium. It can occur both independently and as a result of other diseases. Stomatitis can develop with an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the internal organs and nervous system, a lack of vitamins. Smoking, too cold, hot, salty or sour food - all this also creates favorable conditions for the disease. With stomatitis, redness of the epithelium, pain, tissue swelling, and enlarged lymph nodes are observed.
A disease that affects only the mucous membrane is called glossitis. It is more superficial, but in the case of deep injuries, purulent inflammation, swelling of the tongue, and difficulty swallowing may occur. The inflammation may not extend beyond one or two teeth, or may spread to the entire gum.
Periodontitis (periodontosis) is a disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth. This disease begins unnoticed, often at first there is itching, irritation, pain in the gums, after which swelling may occur, and the necks of the teeth are exposed. The tooth is poorly held by the gum, and if measures are not taken in time, this can lead to tooth loss.
Prevention
Various mouthwashes that fight harmful bacteria will help you prevent the development of diseases, and regular diagnostics at the dentist will help you avoid gum pain, as well as a number of problems, or identify the disease at an earlier stage.