Are you suffering from irritated, swollen, painful, or sensitive gums? Do your gums become sore or do they bleed when you floss or brush your teeth?
If you answered yes to the questions above, you have gum sensitivity. Gum soreness and sensitivity are some of the most common, but ignored dental health issues. The pain can range from a few minutes to a couple of days – even months! Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, a stressful routine, and unhealthy habits are all likely causes of this dental condition. Gum sensitivity can range from mild to severe.
Sore or sensitive gums can be a serious dental concern and warrants a trip to your dentist in Dallas, TX. You can tackle mild sensitivity at home, but in case of severe pain, it is best to get seen by a dentist.
Symptoms of sensitive gums
The pain brought about by sensitive gums may linger or gradually subside. At times, the pain may be accompanied by:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bad breath
- Bleeding
What causes sore or sensitive gums?
Flossing and brushing too hard may cause your gums to become sensitive. Sometimes it might be caused by braces or dentures. However, this kind of soreness might resolve once your mouth adjusts to the dental application.
These factors are not the only possible causes. Sore gums might signal another dental concern. Some of them are:
- Gum disease such as periodontitis (occurs when the plaque spreads or moves below the gum line) or gingivitis (early stage of gum disease)
- Smoking
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Oral infections such as mouth ulcers or canker sores
Home treatments for sensitive gums
1. Take your oral hygiene seriously. Using a soft bristle toothbrush, brush your teeth twice daily. It is essential to develop good dental habits in the long run! Feel free to ask your dentist for advice on the proper techniques for brushing your teeth. And remember, proper brushing should take at least two minutes… yes, 120 seconds!
2. Drink adequate water after meals. This is pretty simple to do. Drinking water is a great way to wash any food remnants in your teeth or mouth. Not to mention, extra hydration is always a wonderful thing.
3. Avoid stress. Stress results to an elevated cortisol level. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and high levels of it for a prolonged period of time can lead to inflammation in various areas of the body, which includes your gums. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and don’t overcommit yourself.
4. Get enough Vitamin C. Take a multivitamin, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount of this essential vitamin (for adults) is between 65 up to 2,000 milligrams per day.
Be sure to see your Dallas dentist if sensitivity or soreness doesn’t improve after trying these home treatments or adopting healthy oral habits. You may have a gum disease or an infection, and overlooking gum soreness can put you at risk for other gum diseases.
