Gum pain is often an easily-identified and treatable dental issue. Learn about the causes here.

Have you noticed your gum tissue bothering you lately? If you've been having gum pain or bleeding while brushing, your Norcross Gum Paindentist, Dr. Orson Baek at Smart Family Dental Care, often identifies the cause as being one of these three conditions:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a clinical term for inflamed gum tissue. This common problem usually develops in response to a buildup of plaque on the teeth. While some people have no significant gum pain from gingivitis, many that visit Smart Family Dental Care in Norcross tell Dr. Orson Baek that their gums are painful, particularly during brushing or flossing. With prompt and thorough treatment, gingivitis can be reversed. However, ignoring the signs of gingivitis can cause its progression to...

Periodontitis

This is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. Besides gum pain, periodontitis can cause the gums to recede or develop "pockets" at the base of the teeth which can harbor more bacteria. Visiting your Norcross dentist twice yearly can greatly reduce your chances of developing periodontitis or allowing it to progress to irreversible bone and tooth loss.

Foreign object

Sometimes, a lingering piece of food like a popcorn hull or celery fiber can lodge itself between your teeth. This can irritate your gums and cause pain in that area, especially if it's left for too long and causes an infection to develop. Using the flat end of a toothpick or a section of floss, try to carefully work out the debris. If you can't get it out or the gum pain continues, contact your Norcross dentist's office for help.

Unlike some aches and pains that occur throughout the body, persistent gum pain won't go away on its own. Contact Smart Family Dental Care in Norcross to have your gum pain evaluated and treated.