Throbbing Gum Pain: What Causes It And How to Make It Stop

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Do you have throbbing gum pain? Don’t dismiss it! With our comprehensive guide, you can learn about the most common causes, symptoms, and treatments for pain relief and preventing future problems.

Throbbing gum pain is a type of gum discomfort that can range from mild to severe. It is a common dental problem caused by a variety of factors such as gum disease, dental abscess, tooth decay, tooth infection, or gum injury. If untreated, throbbing gum pain can lead to serious oral health issues such as tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Seeking treatment for throbbing gum pain as soon as possible is critical to avoiding further complications and improving overall oral health. In this article, we will look at what throbbing gum pain is, what causes it, and why it is important to seek treatment.

Causes of throbbing gum pain

Understanding the underlying cause of throbbing gum pain is critical for developing an effective treatment plan. As a result, if you have gum pain, you should see a dentist right away.

A variety of factors can contribute to throbbing gum pain, including:

Gum disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that can cause throbbing pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Tooth abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the tooth or gums as a result of bacterial infection, resulting in throbbing pain, fever, and swelling.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that causes cavities and, if it reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, can cause throbbing pain.

Tooth infection

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria infiltrate the inner pulp of the tooth, causing inflammation and severe throbbing pain.

Gum injury

Gum trauma or injury can cause inflammation, resulting in throbbing pain and discomfort.

How throbbing gum pain manifests

Depending on the underlying cause, the symptoms of throbbing gum pain can vary. Here are some of the most common symptoms of throbbing gum pain:

Sore gums or gum pain

A throbbing pain in the gums that can range from mild to severe.

Gum swelling

Inflammation and swelling of the gums, which can be localised or widespread.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating, as well as occasionally spontaneous bleeding.

Heat and cold sensitivity

Teeth and gums may become sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks.

Bad breath

Throbbing gums caused by gum disease can also result in bad breath.

Pus or gum discharge

The presence of pus or gum discharge may indicate a dental abscess.

Any of these symptoms necessitates an immediate consultation with a dental professional to avoid the symptoms and underlying cause getting any worse.

Diagnosing throbbing gums

When you see your dentist, he or she will examine your mouth and carry out specific tests to determine the cause of the throbbing gum pain you are experiencing. Here are some common methods for diagnosing throbbing gum pain:

  • Physical examination of the mouth: Your dentist or periodontist looks for signs of infection, inflammation, or injury in the mouth, teeth, and gums.
  • Dental X-rays: X-rays can detect tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, and bone loss, all of which can contribute to throbbing gum pain.
  • Gum probing: A periodontist might measure the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gums using a tool. The depth of these spaces can indicate the severity of gum disease and aid in determining the best treatment plan.

After determining the cause of the throbbing gum pain, the dental professional will determine the best course of action to relieve the pain and address the underlying cause.

Throbbing Gum Pain Treatment

The treatment of throbbing gum pain entails dealing with the underlying cause as well as providing pain relief in the here-and-now. Depending on the severity and exact nature of the underlying condition, treatment options are going to differ. Here are some common treatment options:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat and reduce gum pain caused by a bacterial infection.
  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or oral anaesthetic gels, can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Dental procedures: Depending on the cause of the pain, dental procedures such as root canal treatment, extraction of a damaged tooth, scaling and root planing for gum disease, or incision and drainage of an abscess may be required.
  • Oral hygiene and home remedies: Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing on a regular basis, can help prevent and relieve gum pain. Using warm salt water rinses or applying a cold compress to the affected area can also help relieve pain.

Throbbing gum prevention

Here are some methods for avoiding gum pain. Including these preventative measures in your daily routine can help keep your mouth healthy and can help keep you from ever experiencing throbbing gum pain again:

  • Regular dental check-ups and cleanings: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help identify and treat any issues before they become painful.
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
  • A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium can help keep teeth and gums healthy.
  • Stop smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and can cause throbbing gum pain.

Final thoughts on treating and preventing throbbing gum pain

Throbbing gum pain is a painful and concerning condition that requires immediate attention. Here’s a rundown of the main points:

Gum disease, dental abscess, tooth decay, tooth infection, and gum injury are all possible causes of throbbing gum pain.

Pain, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity to hot and cold, bad breath, and pus or discharge from the gums are all symptoms of throbbing gum pain.

A physical examination, dental X-rays, and gum probing are used to diagnose throbbing gum pain.

Antibiotics, pain relievers, dental procedures, oral hygiene, and home remedies are all treatment options for throbbing gum pain.

Maintaining good oral hygiene practises, regular dental check-ups, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking are all ways to avoid throbbing gum pain.

When experiencing throbbing gum pain, it is critical to seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to avoid the underlying issue worsening.

FAQ

Q: Why do I feel throbbing in my gums?

A: Several factors can contribute to throbbing gum pain, including:

Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, is the most common cause of throbbing gum pain.

A dental abscess is a pus-filled sac that develops at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing throbbing pain.

Tooth decay: If untreated, tooth decay can lead to an infection that causes throbbing gum pain.

Infection of the teeth: An infection of the teeth can spread to the surrounding gums, causing pain and discomfort.

A gum injury, such as from a fall or an accident, can also cause throbbing pain.

Q: Does a gum infection throb?

A: A gum infection can indeed cause throbbing pain. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two of the most common causes of throbbing gum pain. These infections can cause gum inflammation and swelling, resulting in discomfort, tenderness, and pain. If the infection is not treated, it can spread and cause more severe symptoms such as tooth loss and bone damage. If you have throbbing gum pain, you should seek immediate dental care because early intervention can prevent further complications and promote optimal oral health.

Q: How long does throbbing in gum last?

A: Throbbing gum pain tends to last until you get the treatment you need. The simple reason for this is that throbbing gums are likely to be a symptom of an underlying oral health issue such as gum disease or an abscessed tooth.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.