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What Causes Soreness Around Teeth And Gums?
Question: Hi there,
For close to two weeks, I've had a strange symptom I've experienced before about 8 months ago, but went away, and I'm really puzzled by it.
Every so often lately, my mouth will get sore, especially around my teeth and gums. My gums DO NOT bleed and brushing/flossing/etc. are the same as usual. I also tend to feel it more later in the day. It moves around and seems generalized. I'd say more upper teeth than lower, but I think I have felt it in my lower teeth.
Accompanied with this is a subtle metallic taste. It's not enough to affect the taste of food, but it is noticeable, especially with an empty mouth.
If anything, chewing tends to make my teeth less sensitive, not more.
The last time this happened, I went to my dentist to check for gum disease or any problems, but they found nothing wrong.
Sometimes it feels almost like a sinus issue, as my nose seems dry/stuffy and I have mild pressure in my head, and relieving it with nasal sprays seems to help temporarily, but other times I don't think so.
I suppose it could also be a supplement I'm taking or food I'm eating, though I can't think of anything specific where these symptoms are always present.
I also have prehypertension which I'm working on controlling, and I wondered at first if the gum pain could be related to that, but I wouldn't think at the levels I'm at (generally under 140/90 at rest) that'd be a real possibility.
This isn't debilitating; just annoying more than anything, and I'd like to figure out what's going on.
Any ideas of possible causes for this?
For close to two weeks, I've had a strange symptom I've experienced before about 8 months ago, but went away, and I'm really puzzled by it.
Every so often lately, my mouth will get sore, especially around my teeth and gums. My gums DO NOT bleed and brushing/flossing/etc. are the same as usual. I also tend to feel it more later in the day. It moves around and seems generalized. I'd say more upper teeth than lower, but I think I have felt it in my lower teeth.
Accompanied with this is a subtle metallic taste. It's not enough to affect the taste of food, but it is noticeable, especially with an empty mouth.
If anything, chewing tends to make my teeth less sensitive, not more.
The last time this happened, I went to my dentist to check for gum disease or any problems, but they found nothing wrong.
Sometimes it feels almost like a sinus issue, as my nose seems dry/stuffy and I have mild pressure in my head, and relieving it with nasal sprays seems to help temporarily, but other times I don't think so.
I suppose it could also be a supplement I'm taking or food I'm eating, though I can't think of anything specific where these symptoms are always present.
I also have prehypertension which I'm working on controlling, and I wondered at first if the gum pain could be related to that, but I wouldn't think at the levels I'm at (generally under 140/90 at rest) that'd be a real possibility.
This isn't debilitating; just annoying more than anything, and I'd like to figure out what's going on.
Any ideas of possible causes for this?
Brief Answer:
Various causes of dry mouth needs to be ruled out...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query and an elaborate history. I have gone through your history thoroughly and understood you problem. I will try my best to help you out this.
The commonest causes of soreness in the mouth and the metallic taste are:
1. Dry mouth, due to hypofunction of the salivary glands
2. A weakness in the immune system (for example, from the cold or flu)
3. Hormonal changes
4. Stress
5. Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, including vitamin B12 or folate
6. Injury or irritating food or chemicals
7. Recurrent sinus infections
Other uncommon cause include Sjogren's syndrome - this is a disorder of immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.
The chief cause has to be identified and depending upon that the management is planned.
According to your history, I do feel you are having stress related issues which is the main cause of the soreness in the mouth. Also, the sinus issues need to be sorted out. If you have nasal block, then there will be tendency of mouth breathing. Mouth breathing drains out the moisture from the throat making it sore.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Do steam inhalation when you feel you are having nasal block
3. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
5. Avoid coffee/tea/spicy/oily food/smoking & alcohol (if any)
6. After brushing, massage the gums with your index finger – this will improve the blood circulation and reduces the soreness
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Various causes of dry mouth needs to be ruled out...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query and an elaborate history. I have gone through your history thoroughly and understood you problem. I will try my best to help you out this.
The commonest causes of soreness in the mouth and the metallic taste are:
1. Dry mouth, due to hypofunction of the salivary glands
2. A weakness in the immune system (for example, from the cold or flu)
3. Hormonal changes
4. Stress
5. Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, including vitamin B12 or folate
6. Injury or irritating food or chemicals
7. Recurrent sinus infections
Other uncommon cause include Sjogren's syndrome - this is a disorder of immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.
The chief cause has to be identified and depending upon that the management is planned.
According to your history, I do feel you are having stress related issues which is the main cause of the soreness in the mouth. Also, the sinus issues need to be sorted out. If you have nasal block, then there will be tendency of mouth breathing. Mouth breathing drains out the moisture from the throat making it sore.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Do steam inhalation when you feel you are having nasal block
3. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
5. Avoid coffee/tea/spicy/oily food/smoking & alcohol (if any)
6. After brushing, massage the gums with your index finger – this will improve the blood circulation and reduces the soreness
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thanks very much for your detailed advice. I have a history of dry eyes, so it could very well be dryness related, and this has indeed been a stressful time. I will take your above advice/try your suggestions and discuss further with my doctor at my next appointment in September!
Brief Answer:
Wish you good luck and good health
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
Please keep me informed about your future visits with the doctor. Wish you good luck and good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Wish you good luck and good health
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
Please keep me informed about your future visits with the doctor. Wish you good luck and good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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