
Pain in your periodontal tissue could be a sign of an underlying oral health problem. Throbbing gum pain may be accompanied by gum swelling, redness, or even a bad taste in your mouth.
Whether the pain has come on suddenly or it’s been getting increasingly worse, it’s essential to consider the causes and follow up with your dentist. So what are the potential causes of throbbing gum pain?
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the main causes of throbbing gum pain. Gum disease happens in stages, with the first stage being gum inflammation, or gingivitis, and progressing to full-blown gum disease, which can be painful. People who have throbbing gum pain as the result of gum disease may also have pain when chewing, tooth sensitivity, or red or dark colored gum tissue along with their discomfort [1].
Tooth Infections
Your gum pain may not be originating from your gum tissue. In fact, it could be a tooth infection. A tooth infection can happen when a deep cavity or an acute tooth injury allow bacteria into the sensitive nerve tissue and blood vessels inside your teeth. If your throbbing gums are accompanied by gum redness, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or pain that gets worse when you lay down or feels like it’s radiating out toward your jaw or neck, you may have a tooth infection [2].
Canker Sores
Throbbing gums could also be indicative that you have a canker sore. Canker sores can happen on the softer tissues of the mouth and be very uncomfortable, especially when eating or drinking [3]. If your gum pain is the result of a canker sore, you may actually be able to see the sore on your gums, which may have a white or yellow center. Canker sores typically go away on their own after a week or two.
Harsh Tooth Brushing or Flossing
Brushing your teeth too hard, especially with a firm-bristled toothbrush, can cause gum pain and even gum recession [4]. Although it’s important to clean your teeth and gums, you want to do so gently, and use a soft-bristled brush head whether you have a manual or electric toothbrush. Brushing too hard has the potential to cause throbbing gum pain, but it can also cause tooth enamel damage as well.
Ask Your Dentist About Your Gum Pain
It’s difficult to know what exactly could be causing your gum pain without following up with your oral healthcare professional. In cases such as canker sores, you generally won’t need professional treatment; however, gum disease or a tooth infection need professional attention as soon as possible. Are you experiencing throbbing gum pain? If so, don’t wait to book an appointment with your dentist to find out the cause!
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-
20354473
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/
4. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(21)00483-9/fulltext
