What causes gum sensitivity? What are its treatments?

Do you think having a healthy and beautiful smile depends on teeth only?  If your answer is yes, you are wrong. Along with teeth, the gums are also an important component in giving you a beautiful smile. Gums are the framework of a smile, and they hold and protect the roots of the teeth. Therefore, if the gum tissues are damaged, diseased, or receding, it can undermine your overall smile's health and appearance. One common problem associated with gums that can lead to many other issues is sensitivity in gums. 

Gum sensitivity or soreness can be mild or severe; some might feel this as just a minor annoyance. But sore gums can be a sign of an underlying serious problem too. 

What are the symptoms of sensitive gums?

The symptoms of sensitive gums can be any of the following:

• Soreness when brushing or flossing
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding
• Redness in gums
• Bad breath

What causes sensitive gums?

Several reasons can cause gums' sensitivity; some are easily treatable at home, while others require professional assistance. The main reasons that contribute to gum sensitivity are:

• Hard brushing and flossing that damages gum tissues.
• Sensitivity due to dentures or braces. 
• Gum diseases - gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy).
• Smoking/usage of tobacco.
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause.
• Oral infections
• Stress

What are the treatments for sensitive gums?

Treatment for gum sensitivity depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, you can treat gum sensitivity at home. Other times, you will need to see your dentist.

Home treatments

• Follow regular oral hygiene practices: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Do not brush hard; use a soft-bristled brush to avoid gum irritation.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash: This helps soothe irritated gums and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth.
• Get enough vitamin C: Increase Vitamin C intake in the form of fruits, vegetables, or multivitamin tablets.
• Drink more water: Water is not only good for your body; it can also help wash food and bacteria from your teeth and mouth when you are not able to brush your teeth after a meal.
• Quit smoking: Stopping the usage of tobacco products will heal your gums and stop gum sensitivity. 
• Practice stress management: Learn to manage your stress - get enough sleep, eat good food, practice meditation, and exercise regularly.
• Use over-the-counter medications:Though some mouth sores go away on their own without treatment, over-the-counter oral-numbing creams will help to ease sensitivity until a sore heals.  Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.

Dentist-prescribed treatments

If soreness or sensitivity doesn't improve but worsen, seek a dentist's help as this could be a sign of an infection or gum disease. If the reason behind your gum sensitivity is gum disease, you'll need a deep-cleaning dental procedure to remove plaque and tartar and reverse the sensitivity. Sometimes, sensitivity or bleeding that lasts long can be the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, leukemia, or a blood disorder. Your doctor may suggest blood tests and imaging tests to determine the underlying condition and treat it accordingly. 

Do you have gum sensitivity and think you  need professional help? Call us or schedule an appointment with us online.