When experiencing sickness, individuals often notice gum discomfort or pain. While often temporary, understanding the connection between overall health and oral well-being can clarify why this arises during illness.
Why Sickness Affects Your Gums
The body’s immune response to an infection can lead to inflammation throughout the system, including in the gum tissues. When the body is battling an illness, its resources are diverted, potentially impacting the health of oral tissues.
Sickness often brings symptoms like nasal congestion, which can lead to mouth breathing, especially during sleep. This habit, along with certain medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, reduces saliva flow, contributing to dry mouth. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids, and its reduction can make gums more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Feeling unwell can also result in a temporary decrease in consistent oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing. This lapse allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate on the teeth and along the gumline, further irritating the gums and potentially exacerbating any existing gingivitis.
Certain viral or bacterial infections can directly impact gum tissue. For example, the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, can also lead to an oral infection called gingivostomatitis, characterized by painful mouth sores and inflamed gums. Infections in the sinuses, common during colds or flu, can also cause pain and pressure in the upper teeth and gums due to their proximity to the maxillary sinuses.
Managing Gum Discomfort When Sick
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, even when feeling unwell. Gently brushing teeth and gums with a soft-bristle toothbrush can help remove plaque and food debris without causing further irritation. Flossing carefully can also aid in cleaning between teeth and along the gumline.
Staying well-hydrated is important, as drinking plenty of water helps combat dry mouth and supports saliva production. Saliva is essential for maintaining a healthy oral environment and preventing gum inflammation. Hydration also supports overall recovery from illness.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can provide soothing relief and offers antiseptic properties. To prepare a salt water rinse, mix about one-quarter to one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water, swishing the solution around the mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be repeated several times a day.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage general discomfort and reduce inflammation. Topical oral gels containing benzocaine can also be applied directly to the gums for temporary numbing relief. Applying a warm or cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the painful area may also help reduce swelling and pain.
Consideration of dietary choices can further minimize irritation to sensitive gums. Opting for soft, non-irritating foods is advisable. Avoiding acidic, spicy, or crunchy items can prevent additional discomfort to inflamed gum tissues.
When to Seek Professional Help
While gum pain during sickness often resolves as the illness subsides, certain signs indicate a need for professional evaluation. If gum pain persists or worsens after the main illness has passed, it warrants a dental visit. This is particularly true if the pain is severe or does not improve with home care.
Other concerning symptoms include significant swelling, pus discharge from the gums, or spreading redness, which could signal a more serious infection like an abscess. Gums that bleed excessively or without provocation, even with gentle brushing, should also be checked by a dentist. Difficulty eating or swallowing due to gum pain may also indicate a severe infection or inflammation that requires prompt attention.
Systemic symptoms accompanying severe gum issues, such as a high fever or swollen lymph nodes, suggest a broader infection. Individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, should be particularly cautious. These conditions can make one more susceptible to oral health complications during illness and may require more urgent care.