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We brush our teeth on average 2 times a day on a daily basis.
However, sometimes we experience painful, sore and even bleeding gums when we brush our teeth.
We ask ourselves what could be wrong?
Painful or bleeding gums can be caused due to the factors listed below:
- Improper Brushing and flossing
We may brush our teeth using a toothbrush with very stiff bristles using an aggressive technique that may damage the tissue on our gums. Start using toothbrushes with soft bristles which will be easier on your gums. It is also recommended to brush using a circular motion instead of a back and forth motion to exert less pressure on your gums. It is advisable to look into a mirror when you brush your teeth in order to be more mindful and pay attention to your technique.
This can prevent swelling, soreness and bleeding of your gums.
Likewise, aggressive flossing can rupture the gum tissues and lead to painful and bleeding gums.
- Gum Diseases
Gum soreness, swelling and bleeding can be caused due to several diseases like gingivitis, mild gum disease and periodontitis. Proper oral hygiene such as brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash can lead to a reversal of gingivitis in it’s earlier stages but if not dealt with it may lead to severe periodontitis which may result in tooth loss.
Visit a dentist every 6months to get a professional scaling done which gets rid of tartar and maintains healthy gums.
- Canker Sores (Mouth Ulcers)
Canker sores are painful ulcers found in your mouth that can cause serious gum pain. Canker sores can be caused by stress or injury to the tissue in your mouth, or an underlying health condition. These usually go after 14 days.
- Tobacco and other substances
Consumption and smoking of Tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars can damage your gums. Gutka and paan will also have the same effect.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in women such as pregnancy, menstruation, puberty and menopause — can have an unexpected effect on your gums. During these times of hormonal fluctuations, more blood flows to the gums, causing them to swell and become red and sensitive.
- Vitamin deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a number of conditions — such as scurvy — that may cause swollen and sore gums, alongside other symptoms. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with sufficient amounts of Vitamin B and C that meets recommended daily requirements for vitamins and minerals can treat vitamin deficiency.
- Food allergy
Your sore gums might be an allergic reaction to food instead of a dental hygiene product. An elimination diet may help you identify what food allergy is hurting your gums. To try this diet, stop eating a certain food for 30 days and then reintroduce it to see what happens.
- Abscessed tooth
An abscess is an infection next to the root of a tooth. This results in sore, swollen gums that hurt. If your dentist diagnoses an abscess, they’ll also be able to recommend treatment. Often a root canal procedure is required.
- Dentures and partials
Dentures and partials that don’t fit properly irritate the gums. That constant irritation can lead to tissue damage and gum disease. You can work with your dentist to adjust the fit of your dentures or partials and eliminate gum pain.
- Chemotherapy
One of the potential side effects of chemotherapy is painful, swollen or bleeding gums. Chemo patients are also more likely to develop stomatitis, which leads to sores and ulcers.
If this describes your situation, talk to your doctor about how chemotherapy is affecting your body.
