Why Do My Gums Hurt in One Spot?

If you’ve noticed a sharp or nagging pain in just one area of your gums, it can be both uncomfortable and concerning, especially if there’s no obvious cause.

You might be wondering whether it’s something you’ve done, something you’ve eaten, or a sign of something more serious.

It could be as simple as food getting stuck between your teeth, or it might be an early sign of infection or inflammation. 

Whatever the cause, it's worth understanding the possibilities. The sooner you know what’s behind it, the sooner you can take the right steps to feel better.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your gums might hurt in one particular spot and what you can do to ease the discomfort.

1) Food trapped between teeth

One of the most common causes of discomfort in a particular area is food getting lodged between your teeth or just under the gumline.

If not removed, it can irritate the surrounding tissue and even lead to localised inflammation. Try gently flossing the area and rinsing with warm salt water.

If the pain persists, a dentist can safely remove any debris and check for infection.

2) Early gum infection

Mild, localised gum pain could be a sign of gingivitis starting in that specific area.

This often occurs when plaque builds up and isn’t thoroughly removed during brushing or flossing.

Signs include tenderness, redness, and minor bleeding when brushing. Left untreated, this could develop into more serious gum disease, so it’s important to act early.

3) Canker sore or ulcer

A small ulcer (also known as an aphthous ulcer or canker sore) can cause sharp, concentrated pain on the gums.

These can appear after minor trauma (like brushing too hard or accidentally biting the inside of your mouth) and often heal on their own within a week.

If it lasts longer or becomes more painful, it’s worth having it looked at.

4) Trauma or irritation

Have you recently eaten something hard or crunchy?

A seed, crusty bread, or even brushing too aggressively can damage the gum tissue in one area. This might leave the spot sore or swollen for a few days.

Try using a soft toothbrush and be gentle around the irritated spot while it heals.

5) Dental abscess

If the pain feels deep, throbbing, or is accompanied by swelling, you might have a dental abscess.

This type of infection often forms around the root of a tooth or in the gum pocket. It may also cause a bad taste in your mouth or even a small bump near the sore spot.

Abscesses need prompt treatment to avoid further complications.

6) Erupting or impacted tooth

For younger patients or those with wisdom teeth still coming through, localised gum pain could be linked to an erupting or partially impacted tooth. This is especially common at the back of the mouth.

Pain might come and go or be triggered by pressure when biting.

When to see a dentist

If the pain doesn't improve within a few days, is getting worse, or is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, or bad breath, it’s time to get professional advice.

Localised gum pain might seem minor, but it can sometimes point to an infection or early signs of gum disease that are easier to treat when caught early.