Why Are My Gums Sensitive?

Dental hygiene is a very important component of personal hygiene; however, having sensitive gums can make it hard to carry out an ideal regimen which includes activities like brushing and flossing.

Sore gums or sensitive gums is a slight inflammation of the gum and mild pain in the gum, and many have experienced it. Have you noticed that you have sensitive gums? And if you have, are you wondering when is the right time to see a dentist?

Let's get into the topic of gum sensitivity – the causes, signs, and treatment.

What Are The Symptoms of Gum Sensitivity?

Every once in a while, everyone experiences an annoying soreness in their gums. Depending on the severity, this "annoyance" could get in the way of brushing, flossing or even eating, and it could present with other annoying symptoms such as:

Redness

Bleeding

Swelling

Pain

These symptoms could be a result of minor occurrences like an irritation caused by a poorly handled cutlery, someone hitting their elbow in your gum by accident or a mouthguard mishap. Otherwise, gum sensitivity could also be an indication of a much more serious condition like gum disease or periodontal disease.

Causes of Gum Sensitivity

Gum sensitivity isn't always caused by gum disease. It can also be aggravated by certain habits that many are guilty of. Here are a few of them.

Brushing too hard

Many people believe that the harder you brush, the more dirt you can wash off your teeth, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Brushing violently or with a hard toothbrush causes more harm than good. Doing this can damage the protective skin of your teeth, also called the enamel, as well as damage your gums which are naturally delicate structures.

It is a great idea to treat your dental hygiene with passion but it is extremely important to treat your teeth and gums, which are much more delicate, with care. Brushing violently is the opposite of care, contrary to what many believe, so instead of brushing with so much vigour, use a soft brush to wash your mouth twice daily.

gums sensitive because brushing too hard

Eating harsh foods

Unlike other parts of your body, your gums are exposed to the external environment which contains many, many harsh components. This harshness could be in the form of foods like acidic foods, carbonated beverages, or beverages that are too hot or too cold.

The harshness of these foods can cause built-up damage to your gums, especially when they're taken in excess quantities.

To protect your gum from these poor diet options, reduce or completely avoid sugary or acidic foods. Otherwise, clean your mouth with clean water after ingesting sugary or acidic food items.

Poor flossing practices

An unavoidable consequence of eating is that food sometimes lodges in between our teeth. If left in there, these food particles decay and this can cause inflammation of the gum. As such, it is important to floss properly between our teeth to get rid of food particles that may have gotten stuck during chewing.

Picking between your teeth with sharp, pointy objects can also aggravate gum insensitivity and cause problems like inflammation and bleeding.

sensitive gums because bad flossing

Dental appliances

Gum insensitivity may be caused as a result of dental appliances such as braces, mouthguards, retainers, etc. Now, this is expected especially if you're just getting used to having these devices in your mouth; however, if the problem gets progressively worse, you should make an appointment with your orthodontist.

Sometimes, the cause of gum sensitivity could be more serious underlying health conditions. Here are some of them:

Scurvy

This is a condition caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Scurvy presents with gum sensitivity problems such as swelling, irritation, soreness and bleeding. If you experience joint pain, skin bruising or fatigue in addition to gum-related issues, this could point to scurvy.

Fortunately, the effects of scurvy resolve when you take foods rich in vitamin C or vitamin C supplements. However, if the symptoms do not resolve afterwards, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

Smoking

Gum sensitivity is another adverse effect of smoking. Not only is tobacco bad for your heart and lungs, but it is also an irritant which could irritate and damage your gums, thus triggering any or all of the symptoms of gum sensitivity.

Gingivitis

This is a gum infection which represents the earliest stage of gum disease. This can be caused by poor dental hygiene and it in turn causes swollen, painful gums, which bleed easily. If gingivitis is not treated appropriately, it could progress to another stage of gum disease called periodontitis.

Periodontitis

This is a more serious form of gum disease where plaques are spread below the gum line. If left untreated, periodontitis would cause the gums to separate from the teeth and the teeth fall out as a result. However, it is important to remember that this condition is avoidable as long as you practice good dental hygiene and see a dentist if your gum sensitivity doesn't resolve in a couple of days.

Why Are My Gums Sensitive?

Uncontrolled diabetes

When diabetes is not under control, there is excess sugar circulating throughout your body, and excess sugar is present in your saliva as well. This can cause deposition of plaques on the gum which can lead to gum disease if not properly taken care of.

Hormonal changes

Women with high levels of estrogen or progesterone are susceptible to gum sensitivity; that is pregnant women, ovulating women, menopausal women, women on birth control medication or girls at puberty. This is because these hormones increase blood flow to the gums, and as a result, there is an amplified reaction to plaques or bacteria in the mouth.

Due to this reaction, it is common to experience inflammation, swelling, or bleeding of the gums.

Is Gum Sensitivity Manageable?

Absolutely! Gum Sensitivity is not only manageable, but it is also reversible. It all comes down to practising proper dental hygiene, staying away from the harmful dental practices we've talked about, and seeing a dentist if you have any special concerns or a peculiar health condition that may be triggering your gum sensitivity.

The Sonic Brush Solution for Gum Protection

In the quest for optimal gum health and overcoming sensitivity, the Sonic Brush emerges as a groundbreaking solution. This fully automatic toothbrush is designed to offer a comprehensive clean in less than 30 seconds, without the effort traditional brushing demands. Its innovative technology utilizes high vibrational frequencies, adhering to the ADA accepted BASS Technique, to effectively remove bacteria and break up plaque.

Unlike traditional toothbrushes that can scratch and damage gums, the Sonic Brush features soft, silicone bristles that are gentle on gums while providing a superior clean. This not only helps in protecting sensitive gums but also ensures a safer, cleaner, and more efficient brushing experience. Embrace the future of dental care with Sonic Brush and give your gums the gentle, effective protection they deserve.