When people imagine oral health issues, they normally think of their teeth. That’s only natural – your chompers are the most notable parts of your mouth. However, don’t forget: your gum tissue can also get serious problems. In particular, you might develop sore and inflamed gums. Luckily, your local Billerica dentist has a few tricks for dealing with them. Read on, then, to learn the causes of gum inflammation and some great ways to fix it.
What Causes Sore and Inflamed Gums?
In reality, several factors can make gums sore and inflamed. Some of the more typical ones include the following:
Overbrushing
Truthfully, it’s possible to brush your teeth and gums too hard. Doing so will even irritate your gum tissue and make it sore. That being the case, most dentists strongly caution against “overbrushing.”
Thankfully, you can avoid forceful brushing with proper techniques. Just move your brush’s bristles in soft, circular motions. That way, you’ll put less pressure on your gums and let them heal.
Gingivitis
Often enough, inflamed gums are a sign of gingivitis. The latter is a type of gum disease caused by bad oral hygiene. As plaque builds up on your gum line and teeth, it becomes tartar, which irritates your mouth tissues.
Left unchecked, gingivitis can become periodontitis – gum disease’s advanced form. Should that happen, your teeth might loosen and eventually fall out.
Hormone Changes
Sometimes, hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gums. This greater flow makes the pink tissues more sensitive and swollen. Worse, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight bacteria that cause gingivitis.
Various conditions can cause hormone shifts. In fact, notable examples include a period, pregnancy, and menopause.
How Can You Treat Them?
Even if your gums are sore, there’s no need to panic. Treating the problem is simple enough. In particular, consider using the tips below:
- Try Home Remedies – You can soothe sore gums with a warm compress. Similarly, salt water rinses remove irritating bacteria from your mouth.
- Change Dental Care – If possible, avoid strong mouthwashes that might upset a sensitive mouth. Another option is to brush with toothpaste for sensitive or inflamed gums.
- See a Local Dentist – You can always see your local dentist for guidance. By examining your mouth, they’ll learn the source of your inflamed gums and provide the ideal treatment.
Ultimately, you should avoid sore and inflamed gums to protect your mouth. So, remember the causes and solutions above – they’ll ensure your gum tissue gets the help it needs.
About the Practice
Grateful Dentists is based in Billerica, MA. Led by Drs. Adam Danzig and Rachel Snook, our practice helps every patient get a healthy and flourishing smile. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Our team can also treat inflamed or infected gums with periodontal therapy. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (978)-667-2741.