Reasons For Pain In Gums
Causes of gum pain Painful gums are a common problem. Gum pain, swelling, or bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions. Read on to learn about 12 causes of gum pain. Good dental hygiene includes brushing and flossing. However, if you’re overly aggressive, you can irritate and even damage your gums, especially if you’re using a toothbrush with stiff, hard bristles.
If your gums hurt after brushing, use a brush with soft bristles. They typically clean your teeth as well as one with hard bristles, and they’re recommended by the American Dental Association, Also, be less aggressive with your brushing and flossing. If your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding, there’s a chance that you have gum disease (periodontal disease).
Typically, this is a result of not flossing and brushing your teeth well or often enough. The most common type of gum disease is gingivitis, A less common but more severe type is periodontitis. Caught early, gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene.
- To get your gums to stop hurting, brush and floss twice daily and use mouthwash.
- If it isn’t addressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which could cause tooth loss,
- Canker sores — also known as mouth ulcers — are painful, noncontagious sores that appear on the gums and elsewhere in the mouth.
Sometimes they’re red, but they can also have a white coating. The cause of canker sores is unknown, but they’re thought to result from viral or bacterial infection. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop canker sores. There is no specific medical recommendation for treating canker sores.
They have a tendency to disappear within 14 days. If a mouth ulcer lasts for more than three weeks, consult with your dentist. Smoking tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars can damage your gums. Using smokeless tobacco — such as chewing tobacco or snuff — can cause even more harm. If you use tobacco, this could be why your gums are hurting.
To improve your gum health, stop using tobacco products. Not only do they damage the gums, but they can also cause cancer. Some people have allergic reactions to the ingredients in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral hygiene products. This could be the reason why your gums hurt.
- If you think you might be allergic to a dental hygiene product, try to find out which is responsible for the reaction: Simply eliminate one product at a time to identify the one causing the symptom.
- Once you identify the product, discontinue using it.
- 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. A quicker way to determine which food or other substance is triggering a reaction is to meet with an allergist.
They can help you identify the cause of your reaction and recommend treatment, which will likely include avoidance. Sometimes you can burn your gums on hot foods like pizza or coffee and forget about the incident. Later, the burned area feels painful. If you don’t continue to irritate the burn with hot foods or aggressive brushing, the gum tissue will typically heal in 10 days to two weeks.
For many women, changes in hormones can affect their gums at different times of their lives, including:
Puberty. The influx of hormones during puberty can increase blood flow to the gums, which can lead to swelling and sensitivity. Menstruation. Shortly before each menstrual period, some women’s gums can become swollen and more likely to bleed. This problem commonly subsides after menstruation has begun. Pregnancy. Beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy and continuing through the eighth month, some women experience swollen, sore, and bleeding gums. Menopause. Some women going through menopause find their gums unusually dry, which can result in soreness and a likelihood of bleeding.
If you notice gum pain associated with one of these hormonal events, have your dentist review your situation and recommend treatment. An infection next to the root of a tooth can form an abscess, This can result 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 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. Good oral health is supported by proper nutrition, which includes getting enough vitamin B and vitamin C,
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 that meets recommended daily requirements for vitamins and minerals can treat vitamin deficiency.
Typically showing up as a sore that refuses to heal, oral cancer can appear on your gums, inner cheek, tongue, and even your tonsils, If you have a sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal after two weeks, visit your dentist for a diagnosis. Cancer treatment often involves surgery to remove cancerous cells or tumors, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy,
There are a number of reasons that you might be experiencing sore gums, but many can be avoided by a healthy lifestyle that includes proper oral hygiene, If you have persistent pain, swelling, or sores on your gums that stick around longer than a couple of weeks, make an appointment with your dentist for a full diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.
Contents
What is the main cause of gum pain?
Painful gums are most commonly due to inflammation of the gums or gingiva. This condition is known as gingivitis. The most common cause of gingivitis is buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, which is called plaque.
Does gum pain go away?
Typically sore gums will go away with time, but if additional symptoms do appear, then it may be best to consult with a dentist. Knowing what the best ways are to relieve the gums of discomfort can be extremely beneficial.
How long should gum pain last?
Why Do I Have Sore Gums? 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.
- 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 with our friendly team today.
- 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 as soon as possible. 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, with us today to book an appointment at our clinic, which is located in the Brighton and Hove area. 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.
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: Why Do I Have Sore Gums?
Is gum pain common?
What Causes Painful Gums? – If you experience painful gums when you eat, drink, brush, or floss, you may be wondering what’s causing it and how you can treat it. Sore or bleeding gums may be caused by:
- Improper brushing or flossing techniques
- Gum disease
- Chemotherapy
- Tobacco use
- Certain hormonal changes
Gum disease is known to lead to pain and bleeding. Resolving the problem is a crucial part of keeping your gums healthy. Your gums provide the overall support for your teeth and the basis of a healthy mouth, and if not properly cared for, early gum disease can progress to other serious oral health problems.
- Canker Sores: These are painful ulcers found in your mouth that can cause severe gum pain. Canker sores can be caused by stress or injury to the tissue in your mouth, or an underlying health condition such as an impaired immune system, nutritional deficiencies, or gastrointestinal disease.
- Cuts or Abrasions: Pain in the gums can often be caused by a simple cut or abrasion. Braces or other dental appliances such as dentures or retainers can irritate the tissue and cause gum pain.
- Gum Disease or Infection: Gum pain associated with sensitive or bleeding gums is often caused by gum disease or gum infection, The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, affects approximately one in two American adults and can cause chronic gingival pain and sensitivity. If not treated properly by removing plaque from the teeth and around the gum line, gingivitis can progress to a more serious gum infection.
- Sinus Infection: An inflammation of the sinuses, otherwise known as sinusitis, occurs when the tissue lining of your sinuses is swollen or inflamed and can lead to sinus gum pain. Sinuses are normally filled with air, but when they become filled with fluid, germs can grow and lead to infection. Approximately 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year, so sinus gum pain and dental pain are very common.
If you notice any of these symptoms along with gum pain, you may want to consult with a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis and get treatment recommendations. Regardless of where your gum pain is located or its cause, chances are you’ll want to address it quickly.
What vitamin deficiency causes swollen gums?
5. Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps promote strong and healthy teeth by aiding in calcium absorption. Vitamin D deficiency can increase inflammation, contributing to gum disease. It is found in a variety of foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Vitamin D can also be obtained through exposure to sunlight or by taking supplements.
How can I tell if my gums are infected?
Symptoms of Gum Infections – One of the primary symptoms is that gums will be red and swollen. They will also be tender to the touch. While gingivitis may result in some minor swelling or darkening of the color of the gums, an infection will result in even more swelling and deeper redness.
- Bleeding gums is another sign of infection.
- If you forget to floss for a week while on vacation, your gums may bleed the first day you get back into your routine.
- However, when gums bleed with no apparent reason, such as while brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, infection is the likely cause.
- While bad breath is common in the morning, a person with periodontists will have bad breath all the time, even after brushing.
In fact, the foul breath smell may be worse than usual. Other more serious symptoms include the gums pulling away from the teeth. This can result in teeth becoming loose. Pus may form in between the teeth and gums. At this point, chewing will likely become quite painful.
What is oral anxiety?
How Stress & Anxiety Can Affect Your Oral Health No one would disagree that stress or anxiety is no fun; no one wants to go through that. Stress is a thing in life we all go through at some point. But what adds insult to injury is the impact of stress effects on oral health.
There are many ways stress and dental health are connected. The signs are there when you know what to look for. They can also have a negative impact on each other and can get even worse if you don’t try and keep them in check. What do stress and oral health have to do with one another? Stress and anxiety can be detected within your mouth.
Anxiety is bad enough but can be worse because it can affect your oral health as well. It can cause canker sores, dry mouth, gum disease, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ, or grinding, which can leave you with headaches, jaw pain, tooth pain, or dental problems Oral anxiety is the stress effects on oral health.
Dry mouth- when you are stressed, you may develop dry mouth, sometimes from very simple reasons like not drinking enough or breathing with your mouth open, or sleeping with it open. Teeth grinding- a common reaction to stress is clench or grinding your teeth, and you may not even be aware of doing it. This can cause toothache or TMJ. It is recommended to try and become conscious of opening your jaw and being aware of if your jaw is closed or leaving a tiny gap between your upper and lower teeth. At night try wearing a nightguard to help with grinding. TMJ disorder- Temporomandibular joint problems are when the joints that you use to move your jaw become swollen or stiff. This can leave you with pain and a clicking or popping sound when trying to use your jaw. This is caused by clenching and or grinding your teeth. It is best to be careful what you eat is not difficult to chew and practice unclenching your jaw while trying meditation to combat TMJ. Sometimes anti-anxiety medication can help but consult with your doctors about this. Gum Disease- you want to watch out for gum disease when going through a period of prolonged stress or anxiety. Stress can make it difficult for your body’s immune system to protect itself from infections. Stress and gum disease can lead to weakened teeth, loose teeth, and bleeding.
Your immune system is compromised when going through stress, the chemicals in your body become unbalanced and harmful to you. Your sleep is often affected, which makes matters worse. Not to mention when you’re are going through a tough time, personal hygiene patterns can become erratic, and taking care of your teeth can be low on the priority list.
Lymph nodes may swell from stress as they are a part of your immune system and work with your body to fight infection. They filter harmful substances and store white blood cells. When swollen, they can often be felt as little bumps on the side of your neck, and they can become tender or painful when chewing or turning your neck.
If they become stiff or do not reduce in size after a few weeks, you should contact your doctor. You may be susceptible to sores in your mouth when under prolonged stress called canker sores. These are usually small round spots with a white or grey look to them, and they can cause very sharp pain.
It is best to avoid very acidic or spicy food when you get them. You can also get over the counter medicine that numbs them easing the pain. They usually last between a week or two. Yes, stress can cause painful gums from the susceptibility to canker sores, teeth grinding, and risk of gum disease. You are also at risk of hurting your gums when you are under a lot of stress or anxiety if you are a Nail-biter.
Germ from your nails can lead to infections either in your mouth, body, or damage from the nails can hurt your gums, and canker sores are believed to also be caused by a damaged or weakened spot in the gum. Burning mouth syndrome can be caused by stress.
Can low vitamin D cause gum pain?
Everlywell: Protecting your teeth, securing your health – Brushing, flossing, and vitamin D are all key components of good oral health. But lower vitamin D levels can cause many dental health issues, including tooth loss, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and more.
You can tell when your teeth feel gritty, dirty, and in need of a little care, but determining your body’s vitamin D levels is a whole different story. That’s where Everlywell comes in. The Everlywell Vitamin D Test can provide you with fast, accurate information about vitamin D at a cellular level. Plus, you can feel at ease knowing that your tests are lab-certified, physician-reviewed, and totally private, delivering secure data straight to your device.
Additionally, you can explore our vitamin D supplements to help boost your vitamin D today.
Can vitamin D affect your gums?
Frequently Asked Questions –
- How does vitamin D deficiency affect your teeth? Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency can affect both tooth enamel and gum health. Low vitamin D levels in children can affect tooth development, causing teeth to be weaker in adulthood and more prone to cavities or chipping. In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
- How do you treat vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because your body naturally makes vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin. You can also get vitamin D in your diet by eating fatty fish, organ meats, eggs, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal. If these measures do not help bring up your vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend taking vitamin D supplements.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Botelho J, Machado V, Proença L, Delgado AS, Mendes JJ. Vitamin d deficiency and oral health: a comprehensive review, Nutrients,2020;12(5):1471. doi:10.3390/nu12051471
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children’s oral health,
- Byrd KM, Gulati AS. The “gum–gut” axis in inflammatory bowel diseases: a hypothesis-driven review of associations and advances, Front Immunol,2021;12:620124. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.620124
- Woo S-M, Lim H-S, Jeong K-Y, Kim S-M, Kim W-J, Jung J-Y. Vitamin D promotes odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells via ERK activation, Mol Cells,2015;38(7):604-609. doi:10.14348/molcells.2015.2318
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Periodontal disease,
- Chhonkar A, Arya V. Comparison of vitamin d level of children with severe early childhood caries and children with no caries, Int J Clin Pediatr Dent,2018;11(3):199-204. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1511
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D fact sheet for health professionals,
By Steven Lin, DDS Steven Lin, DDS, is a dentist, TEDx speaker, health educator, and author. Thanks for your feedback!
Can B12 deficiency cause gum pain?
3 VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES THAT AFFECT TOOTH AND GUM HEALTH When many people think about how their diet affects their teeth, they only consider whether the food they eat contains substances known to cause tooth decay. However, the foods you eat can also affect your teeth and gums from the inside out. When you do not eat enough foods that contain certain nutrients important for teeth or gum health, these vitamin deficiencies can damage your oral health.
- Learn about three specific vitamin deficiencies that can affect your oral health.
- Proper calcium intake is important for tooth health for several reasons.
- First, a lack of proper calcium intake can lead to a health problem called osteoporosis, which is a bone condition characterized by a loss of bone density and bone weakening.
When osteoporosis affects the jawbone, it can make the jaw too weak to support the roots of teeth properly, which can lead to tooth loss. A calcium deficiency, also called hypocalcemia, can also increase your risk of tooth decay and general tooth brittleness.
The average adult should consume a large percentage of calcium a day to ward off calcium deficiency. If you do not enjoy consuming calcium-filled foods, such as dairy products, kale, and spinach, then consider taking a calcium supplement daily for good bone and tooth health. Another vitamin deficiency that can affect your oral health is a vitamin D deficiency.
The calcium you consume is more difficult for your body to absorb when you suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. Even if you eat plenty of calcium, you could be at risk for osteoporosis and the tooth loss it can cause if you do not also consume enough of this important vitamin.
- In addition, lack of proper vitamin D intake can lead to cavity development.
- In fact, a study revealed that children who were given a daily vitamin D supplement developed fewer cavities than a group of children who were not provided this supplement.
- While your body makes some vitamin D when your skin has exposure to the sun, you should also include this important vitamin in your diet to help maintain proper vitamin D blood levels, especially if you do not spend much time outdoors.
Good food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, red meat, and salmon. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase your risk of a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. In fact, a revealed that people with low levels of vitamin B12 in their blood were not only more likely to suffer from periodontitis, but were also more likely to experience severe periodontitis symptoms, such as greater gum pocket depth, than those with higher levels of this vitamin.
Unfortunately, researchers are still unsure of exactly why a vitamin B12 deficiency increases the risk of severe periodontitis development. However, this nutrient is important for healthy blood cells and also aids in wound healing. Both factors could play roles in how this deficiency can contribute to gum disease.
Good dietary sources of B12 include milk, fish, and vitamin B12–fortified foods. However, vitamin B12 supplements are also available. In addition, since your body uses B12 when metabolizing sugar, reducing your sugar intake could also increase the amount of B12 in your blood.
- Eating a well-balanced diet is important for the health of your teeth and gums.
- While sugar and other carbohydrates that linger on tooth surfaces cause tooth decay, vitamin deficiencies can also take a toll on your oral health.
- Contact the dental experts at Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC, for and all of your other dental needs today.
We look forward to seeing you! : 3 VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES THAT AFFECT TOOTH AND GUM HEALTH
What hormonal changes cause gum pain?
Your weight. Your mood. Your sex drive. Your dental health. There’s one thing that can make all these aspects of your health go haywire — hormones. You may be surprised to learn that hormone surges may make you more vulnerable to gum disease, Here’s why: More female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause more blood to flow to your gums, which causes them to become more sensitive and “overreact” to anything that may irritate them.
- Women are more sensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria around the gums when the hormone levels are high,” says ADA dentist Dr.
- Sally Cram.
- This can cause your gums to become inflamed, swell and bleed.
- If left untreated, ongoing inflammation in the gums can also lead to bone loss around the teeth and eventual tooth loss.” Your hormones are a fact of life, but gum disease not so much.
It’s actually preventable and reversible in its early stages. So what’s a woman to do? Start by paying extra attention and taking good care of your mouth during these five times in your life. Puberty Raging hormones can leave a teenage girl’s gums red, swollen and bleeding.
In some cases, the gums’ overreaction to plaque may cause gums to actually grow bigger.) Some teenage girls may also find themselves developing canker sores, which usually heal on their own. The best treatment? Prevention. “Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly,” Dr.
Cram says. “Removing plaque and bacteria thoroughly every day can reduce the inflammation, discomfort and bleeding.” Your Period You may not notice any change in your mouth in the days before your period. (If fact, most women don’t). But if you have swollen gums, bleeding gums, canker sores or swollen salivary glands, hormones may be to blame.
These symptoms should subside after your period stops — but if they don’t, then the increased bleeding by your gums is signaling something else. Talk to your dentist if you have questions about how your monthly cycle and apparent health of your gums are related. Stay on top of your daily dental health routine, and if you find you have more sensitivity than usual before or during your period, schedule cleanings for about a week after it ends.
Using Birth Control Pills Inflammation may have been a side effect for women taking birth control in the past, but today there’s good news for your gums. The levels of estrogen and progesterone in today’s birth control prescriptions are too low to cause any issues with your gums, according to a February 2013 review in the journal Periodontology 2000,
Your dentist may need to write you a prescription, and some medications can make your birth control less effective. If you’re having a tooth removed, you may be more at risk for a painful complication called dry socket. According to the June 2016 Journal of the American Dental Association, women who use oral contraceptives are nearly twice as likely to experience dry socket compared to those who do not. Of 100 women who took birth control, 13.9 experienced dry socket. Only 7.54 of 100 women who did not take birth control had this complication.
Pregnancy During pregnancy, your body is in hormonal hyper drive. Some women find they have developed pregnancy gingivitis — a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. It is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy, and you can help keep it under control through good daily habits.
“Stay on top of your brushing, stay on top of your flossing and be meticulous about the care of your entire body,” says ADA dentist Dr. Alice Boghosian. Visiting your dentist during pregnancy is incredibly important — and absolutely safe, In fact, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gingivitis.
If you notice any other changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. Menopause Menopause is a huge change in a woman’s life and a woman’s mouth, including altered taste, burning sensations in your mouth and increased sensitivity. “They’re all related to hormones,” Dr.
- Boghosian says.
- Still, there are two critical changes to be aware of: dry mouth and bone loss.
- Saliva cleanses the teeth and rinses cavity-causing bacteria off your teeth,” Dr.
- Boghosian says.
- When you have dry mouth, your saliva flow decreases and you’re more at risk for cavities.” Talk to your dentist if your mouth is feeling dry.
“If dry mouth is a problem, suck on ice chips or sugar-free candy, drink water or other caffeine-free drinks and use an over-the-counter dry mouth spray or rinse to help reduce the dryness,” Dr. Cram says. “Your dentist may also recommend prescription strength fluoride toothpaste that helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.” What you eat can also make a difference when it comes to dry mouth.
- Avoid salty, spicy, sticky and sugary foods, as well as and dry foods that are hard to chew.
- Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can also make dry mouth worse.
- At night, sleeping with a humidifier on in your room can also make a difference.
- Losing bone in your jaw can lead to tooth loss.
- The decreased estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts you at risk for a loss of bone density,” Dr.
Boghosian says. “Signs of bone loss in your jaw can be something as simple as receding gums. When your gums recede, more of your tooth is exposed and that puts more of your tooth at risk for decay. And if your mouth is dry, that’s a double whammy.” To help reduce your risk of bone loss, work with your dentist or physician to make sure you’re getting the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, don’t smoke and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Can gum diseases be cured?
Cons of laser treatment for gum disease – There’s one major disadvantage when it comes to periodontal laser therapy: It’s not always effective when treating advanced periodontal disease. If you have severe periodontitis, your periodontist may recommend traditional flap surgery.
What does gum pain feel like?
Dental appliances – Dental appliances, such as braces, dentures, retainers, and mouthguards, can all cause gum irritation. When these devices break or don’t fit correctly, they can cause friction that damages delicate gum tissue. In addition to sore gums, you might also notice marks or imprints on your gums left by the device.
Gum irritation can also be caused by chemicals in the products you use to clean or apply your dental appliance. Try switching to a different cleaning solution or adhesive to see if your symptoms improve. If they don’t, work with your dentist to either improve the fit of your appliance or find a product, such as dental wax, to prevent friction and irritation.
Sore gums are not something you want to ignore. Gingivitis and periodontitis are treatable when caught early. The longer these conditions go untreated, the more you risk permanent damage. Make an appointment with your dentist if your symptoms don’t improve or get worse.