There are several reasons people develop sore gums. Usually, these can be prevented with proper dental care. You might have sore gums in one area or multiple sections of your mouth, so gums at the back of the mouth may feel fine while the front gums feel sore. Gums might be sore to touch or only in certain situations, such as while chewing. You can also have sore gums around one tooth or multiple teeth.
There are a few key reasons for having sore gums, notably simple injuries and burns from hot or sharp food – these should soon heal on their own. Apart from this, the main causes of sore gums include the following:
- Poor brushing technique: The gums are a highly sensitive part of the body so when brushing your teeth bleeding, red or swollen gums can develop if you are particularly rough while brushing. Old toothbrushes often cause sore gums, so make sure that you replace them regularly.
- Gum disease: Sore gums may be the first sign of gum disease (or periodontal disease). If you have poor oral hygiene gum disease is much more likely to develop. You can prevent gum disease from developing and spreading by practising good oral hygiene.
- Canker sores and mouth ulcers: Canker sores, similar to a cold sore but inside the mouth, and mouth ulcers are a key cause of sore gums. Unfortunately, nobody understands the causes of canker sores, but they can be triggered by stress, fatigue or injury. Specialist gels can relieve mouth sores.
If you are receiving chemotherapy sore gums are often a side effect. The reasons you might get sore gums varies, so it can be difficult to determine what causes them. As a result, you should see a dental professional. If you would like an appointment in the Brighton and Hove area please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team today.
Tips on How to Prevent Sore Gums
First of all, whether you are tucking into a nice slice of hot pizza or a delicious scoop of ice cream – it is a good idea to have small manageable bites, which will help to avoid a range of problems with the teeth and gums. Making sure food is cool enough to eat is also a good idea. Just make sure your ice cream is sugar-free!
Once you change your lifestyle and habits, good oral health is the best way to ensure you have strong gums that can withstand daily brushing without becoming sore and that you avoid gum disease
Proper dental care not only prevents the development and spread of gum disease but also a range of other problems including the following:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain and decay
To give yourself the best chances of preventing sore gums you can bear the following tips in mind and add them to your existing brushing routine:
- Choose the right brush: You should always choose a brush with soft nylon bristles that gently brush over the teeth and gums. Brush lightly and see if it improves the feelings of soreness in your mouth. You can also try using a special toothpaste designed for tooth sensitivity, most brands produce their varieties.
- Make sure you floss: Food particles can easily get trapped between teeth and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Flossing reduces the chances of food particles remaining between teeth after brushing, which will help lower the chances of sore gums developing – and can also help to combat bad breath.
- Regular checkups: You need regular checkups to ensure good oral health, which can be daunting to nervous patients. Even if you were a fully-fledged dentist you would still be unable to care for your teeth by yourself. Seeing a hygienist is also an excellent idea, as they can clean your teeth and remove any buildup of plaque.
You should also make efforts to maintain a healthy diet, which will give you the right balance of nutrients and vitamins to make sure that your gums are in the best condition, which will reduce the risk of them ever becoming sore.
Cigarette smoke may cause sore gums, bleeding gums and other issues in the mouth. If you avoid tobacco products you also lower the chances of gum disease developing or spreading, which is a key cause of sore gums.
If your gums are sore because of an injury you should apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling and seek further medical advice if necessary. If you feel you may require urgent care, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Sore Gums and How to Treat Explained
We hope you understand a little more about sore gums and the reasons they occur. It can be worrying and confusing to have sore gums and visit your dentist, but we specialise in treating nervous patients in our Brighton-based clinic.
Our team is available in the Brighton and Hove area. If you would like to book an appointment for a check-up to determine the cause of your sore gums and find a suitable treatment plan we can help – simply get in touch.
Get in touch with us today to book an appointment at our clinic, which is located in the Brighton and Hove area.
FAQs and Useful Information
The following are some commonly asked questions about sore gums and the services we provide:
The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so. However, if your sore gums are caused by gum disease – the gums will not heal until you treat the underlying gum disease at the root of the problem.
A simple saltwater rinse can help to relieve the symptoms of gum pain. Salt can soothe the gums when pain is due to hot and sharp food or an accident that causes injury to the gums. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gargle and swill the solution in your mouth to soothe irritated gum tissue. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Always spit the solution out and do not swallow any, just like regular mouthwash.
On many occasions, a sore gum can be a temporary problem and will not lead to anything serious, such as when you simply eat slightly too sharp or hot food. Similarly, if the cause of your sore gums is brushing teeth with an improper technique there is no need to worry. However, the cause of your sore gums is gum disease, this is a more serious issue that will require proper dental treatment. If you are unsure of the cause of your sore gums it is essential to see a dentist.
Yes. We specialise in helping nervous patients get the best dental care. Our understanding team is there to listen to all of your concerns and can help to provide a calm and supportive environment.
01273 900933
hello@hovedentalclinic.co.uk
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Sat: By appointment only
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