Irritated, sore gums can have a negative effect on your whole day.
If you’ve noticed blood in the sink when you brush and floss or feel sharp pains when eating or drinking, it’s likely that your gums are unhealthy. Oral health has been linked to your overall body health, so it’s a good idea to take note when you experience symptoms like these and have a look at what might be causing them.
Why does it happen?
Inconsistent oral care at home is the most likely reason that people find their gums painful. When bacteria is allowed to build up in your mouth, it creates plaque. Your inflammatory system kicks in to try and get rid of the infection, causing your gums to feel puffy and sore.
Localised sores in the mouth can also cause painful gums that interrupt your enjoyment of life. Abscesses are lumps of pus that usually form from a bacterial infection, and should be seen by your dentist as soon as possible. Ulcers develop all over the mouth and are usually small and coloured white or yellow with a red ring.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways to start improving your gum health straight away.
Easy ways to soothe sore gums:
Your toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon brushes with blunted ends. Harder bristles might damage your enamel or injure your gums, causing them to get red, puffy, and sore.
Flossing
Be gentle when you floss. Slide the floss gently up and down rather than forcing it between your teeth.
Consistency
You need to brush twice and floss once daily to make sure no little bits of food are stuck between or on your teeth.
Over-the-counter treatments
Ulcers will usually clear up in a week or two, but there are some over-the-counter solutions that will soothe the pain and boost the healing process.
Diet
A balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin C will help your immune system to stay strong and fight the plaque effectively.
Relax
Spend time doing whatever you find to be most relaxing, whether that’s going for a run, meditating, or listening to heavy metal. Ulcers often form during stressful times, so taking time to relax should help to stop them appearing.
Are sore gums a reason to worry?
Most cases of sore gums are easy to look after by simply taking a little extra care with your dental hygiene habits. However, if you let it go on too long, you run the risk of developing periodontitis, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
There are also other serious conditions that could be causing your gums to be sore, so if the pain doesn’t wear off in a few days, it’s a good idea to see a dental professional. Early intervention can prevent costly fixes later down the track.
If you’re worried about gums that have been sore for more than a week, make an appointment to see one of our Moss Vale Dental experienced dentists. We will thoroughly check your gums for signs of disease and help you make an oral health plan to keep your smile wide.
