Why are my gums feeling sensitive?
Taking care of your gums is an important part of your oral health routine, which can often be overlooked. Often times, when thinking about your oral care and hygiene, your teeth will be the first to come to mind. And while your teeth are super important, your gums are equally so. After all, your gums help to protect your teeth and ensure a healthy smile.
Symptoms of Gum Sensitivity
Swelling and tenderness are often signs of gingivitis or gum disease, which are common when gums are neglected. While gingivitis is usually painless, if not treated it can advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of periodontal disease.
You might also experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drink, and may also have inflamed or sore gums after brushing your teeth.
Reasons for sensitive gums:
Gum Disease / Gingivitis
The most common and earliest signs of gum disease is often gum sensitivity. Sensitive gums are often one of the first signs that you may be suffering from gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum diseases, such as Periodontitis.
Brushing Too Hard
If you are suffering from gum disease, even in a mild or early form, your gums may be sensitive to pressure. So brushing too hard or using a harsh toothpaste may irritate them or make them more sensitive.
Your brushing technique is important. Consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush if you don’t already, and if you notice that your toothpaste may be irritating your gums, consider a sensitive toothpaste as an alternative.
Hormonal Changes
Sensitive and sore gums can be a result of hormone changes. The American Dental Association has outlined that gums can become more sensitive due to hormone changes. These surges of hormones can make you more vulnerable to gum disease, specifically during pregnancy.
Be sure to continue seeing your dentist for your regular check ups throughout pregnancy, and discuss any concerns or changes to your oral health with your dentist and lead maternity carer.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Also known as Scurvy, a severe form of Vitamin C deficiency. This can result from not having enough Vitamin C in your diet, or when your body has difficulty absorbing the vitamin. Symptoms of a Vitamin C deficiency can include sensitive, swollen and bleeding gums.
Food or Oral Appliance Irritation
Acidic foods and oral appliances can both contribute to sensitive gums. Acidic foods can cause irritation and even visible sores on the tender tissue of the gum-line.
The same goes for oral appliances such as braces, retainers, dentures and even mouth guards. These can tug at your gum line, leaving gums feeling extra tender and sensitive. Often this sensitivity will disappear as your mouth adapts to your dental appliance. However, should your gums continue to remain sensitive and sore, you should see your dentist or orthodontist to have them adjusted.
If you’re concerned about your gum health or are experiencing pain or sensitivity to your gums, book an appointment with Dr Carolyn and her team. Having completed her Post-Graduate Diploma in Periodontal (Gum) Disease and as a member of the New Zealand Periodontic society with over 20 years experience, you be assured that Dr Langrell-Read will provide the best care for your gum health.