Why do my gums hurt? Treatments and Relief from Passion Family Dental North Lakes

If your gums are red, tender, swollen or even bleeding; gum disease is the most likely cause. And at Passion Family Dental North Lakes, it is the first thing we suspect.

However, there are can also be other reasons that gums can become irritated or inflamed. If your gums are giving you concern, visit your North Lakes dentist so the source of your symptoms can be uncovered and addressed.

Let’s take a look at some of the thing that can cause gums to swell, turn red, and bleed.

Potential Causes of Irritated Gums

Poor dental hygiene

This is far and away the most common cause of problematic gums. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. These bacteria are natural and help break food down.

But, if you don’t floss and brush these bacteria away it combines with food particles, acid byproducts, and saliva to create plaque, which stubbornly attaches itself to your teeth, and that can lead to damaged gums.

Plaque accumulates and hardens on teeth and at the gum line. This causes soreness and irritation in the gums.

Your normal oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing) are your first line of defense against plaque build-up. You can also help control plaque by limiting acidic or sugary food and quitting any tobacco products.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, which is our next potential culprit for damaged gums.

Gum disease

Over time, plaque build-up causes inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, and if it is not treated can develop into periodontitis. This is a severe infection that can lead to receded gums, weakened ligaments, damaged bones, and tooth loss.

The more quickly gingivitis is identified and dealt with, the more likely it is that periodontitis and the threatening complications that accompany it can be avoided. This is another reason to visit Passion Family Dental North Lakes, every six months!

Your toothbrush

All toothbrushes are not created equal, and some toothbrushes actually damage your teeth and gums. For most of us, a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush is unnecessary, and a soft, round-tip-bristled brush is a superior choice.

Harder toothbrushes can cause irritation to the gum and do more damage than good.

Also, switch to a new toothbrush every three months to be sure your toothbrush is still up to its job, and in a good condition to clean your gums, and does not introduce bacteria to your mouth.

Try replacing your toothbrush with each new season, this will help you keep on track.

Brushing technique

Oddly, brushing your teeth can cause irritated gums. If your technique is on the aggressive or hard side, you can harm the soft tissue of your gums.

Also, if you are brushing side-to-side, you may be irritating your gums and harming your tooth enamel!

The proper technique is to hold your toothbrush against your gum line and teeth at a 45-degree angle and apply light pressure while brushing in a gentle, circular motion. This will clean your teeth, gums, and where they meet while not damaging anything.

Flossing technique

Using poor flossing techniques can damage gums. Two of the main problems here are using a “sawing” motion when flossing or using too-fine floss.

Always use a ribbon-type floss and slide it gently between the teeth, never forcing it or pulling too hard. Then, wrap it around each tooth and floss delicately.

With that said, flossing, particularly if you haven’t been a regular flosser, can cause discomfort and bleeding if your gums are unaccustomed to it.

If flossing remains uncomfortable, or if bleeding continues, it may be that you have a gum disease that needs to be treated. If this is the case, set up an appointment with your North Lakes dentist!

Canker sores (ulcers)

Canker sores, also known as ulcers, develop in the soft parts of the mouth, including the gums.

They are generally harmless, and their symptoms are normally handled with topical medication. However, if canker sores don’t go away after a week or two, it’s time to see your dentist.

Dental appliances

Dental appliances, like braces, retainers, and dentures, can take a bit of time to become comfortable in the mouth. When these appliances are first placed, they may cause irritation and soreness, but the mouth and gums should adapt.

However, if the irritation continues, it may mean that the appliance needs to be modified. In that case, it’s time for a trip to your dentist to make sure everything is working correctly and make the necessary adjustments.

Smoking

It is no secret that tobacco is not good for you, and it is no different for your oral health. Cigarettes contain 3000+ toxic chemicals, most of which irritate the gums.

Smoking also causes plaque build-up, bacterial imbalance, and gum disease. If you smoke, kicking the habit may be the first step towards calming painful gums.

We understand that this is easier said than done so we recommend that smokers attend their dentist regularly for comprehensive exams and cleans to make sure your oral health stays at its best.

The Passion Family Dental North Lakes Promise!

At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we believe high quality dental care can only be achieved by placing our customers first.

Dr Ooi and our talented staff offer preventative, restorative, general, cosmetic, and emergency care at the highest possible level.

We have free parking, specifically designated for our patients, as well as on street parking

We are wheelchair friendly!

North Lakes dentist also serves local communities in Mango Hill, Deception Bay, Griffin, Murrumba Downs, Redcliffe, Narangba, Petrie, Burpengary, Bracken Ridge and Morayfield.

To book an appointment, call us on (07) 3465 1199 or visit us online here.

We are located at Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes.