Gum Health Quick Tips
- Gingivitis can be reversed without any long-lasting effects.
- Periodontitis cannot be reversed.
Have you ever had a pain in your gums that just wouldn’t go away? It could be a simple toothache or something more serious like an abscess. Whatever the case may be, you need to get it checked out as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common reasons why your gums might hurt, and what you can do to treat them.
Do Your Gums Hurt? This Is Probably Why
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Lichen planus
Foreign Objects

What Do I Do If My Gums Hurt?
Here are a few things you can do to reverse early symptoms:
Better Oral Care More Often
You probably think you’re doing a good job at brushing your teeth, we’re here to let you know that you can most likely do better. If you notice early signs of gingivitis you need to increase the frequency of oral care and stay consistent.
Your routine should include:
- Brushing for up to 2 minutes
- Flossing in between every tooth
- Swishing mouthwash.
Better Lifestyle Choices
We know that you’re doing all you can to get the most out of your life, and it’s ok to slack off and party every now and again, but don’t let it become a habit. The negative choices might feel good right now, but they almost always hurt you in the long run, here are a few things you should try to moderate:
- Binge eating – Often loaded with processed foods or carb-heavy foods. “Binge-worthy” foods are rarely ever healthy for your teeth.
- Drinking – A few drinks a week is fine, but over-drinking and partying hard weekly isn’t sustainable. If you find you can’t hold your liquor very well, you should be aware that vomiting often can promote decay.
- Healthy foods – Do you eat out a lot? Fast food and restaurants often add more sugar and unhealthy things to their food because it makes it taste better. Cooking basic food at home can increase your oral health.
- Drugs & tobacco use – Any type of smoke inhalation (tobacco or marijuana) can cause oral damage. Tobacco products in general have all been proven to damage your health in general. As marijuana becomes more widely available you should know that it can damage your oral and general health!

Keep Up With Your Dental Appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to see a dentist about gingivitis?
Gingivitis has a wide range of symptoms. If you’re noticing some puffiness and bleeding it’s probably ok to reverse it at home. But if it’s troubling to you, then you should see a dentist! If you notice symptoms lasting for a week or two, definitely see a dentist.
Do I need to see a specialist?
Probably not, periodontists are usually there for serious long-term gum disease and damage. A dentist can usually handle many different stages of gum disease.