Why do my gums hurt? Treatments and Relief from Ria Family Dental

When gums are red, tender, swollen, or even bleeding, gum disease is a potential culprit #1.

At Ria Family Dental, it is the first thing we will examine. However, there can also be other reasons for gums to “act up.”

Even if there is no associated discomfort, unhealthy gums make it vital to visit your Yeronga dentist so the source of your symptoms can be identified and addressed.

So, including gum disease, let’s look at what causes gums to turn red, swell, and bleed.

Potential Causes of Irritated Gums

Z Brushing technique

This is a bit anti-intuitive, but your brushing can cause your irritated gums. If your technique is aggressive, you might be damaging your gums.

Here’s what you should do:

• Brush at least two times daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Replace the toothbrush every three months to keep it in good condition.
• Brush the teeth with a slightly slanting angle, at 45-degree to the gums.
• Move the toothbrush in short strokes.
• Brush gently.

Z Your toothbrush

Again, an unusual suspect! In most jobs, the tools you use are as necessary as how you use them. This is particularly true of toothbrushes, which can harm your gums.

A medium or hard-bristled toothbrush is too much for most people, and a soft, round-tip-bristled brush is a better choice.

Also, be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or so. This ensures the toothbrush is effective on your gums and does not carry any old gunk or bacteria.

When it comes to brushing, tools are just as necessary as technique. If you have any questions about brushing correctly, ask your Yeronga staff member for a demonstration of the proper brushing technique.

Z Flossing technique

Similar to brushing, poor flossing techniques can irritate your gums. Two main problems are using super-fine floss or a “sawing” motion.

Instead, use a ribbon-type floss and gently slide it between the teeth, never forcing it. Then, wrap it around each tooth and floss. Don’t let flossing, which should help your gums stay pink and healthy, become damaging to them.

Z Poor dental hygiene

This is the most common cause of troubled gums. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and this is natural.

However, suppose you don’t brush and floss bacteria away every day. In that case, it will combine with food debris, byproducts of acid, and saliva to turn into plaque, which stubbornly attaches to your teeth.

This plaque can accumulate and harden, particularly at the gum line. This leads to soreness and irritation.

Brushing and flossing twice daily are your line of defence against plaque build-up. You can also control plaque by limiting sugary or acidic food and not using tobacco products.

Z Gum disease

Over time, plaque build-up causes gum inflammation, technically known as gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease; if left untreated, it can become periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a severe infection that can cause gum recession, weakened ligaments, damaged bones, and tooth loss.

The more quickly gingivitis is identified and dealt with, the more likely periodontitis and its threatening complications can be avoided. This is another reason to visit your Yeronga dentist every six months!

Z Canker sores

Also called mouth ulcers, canker sores develop in the mouth’s soft tissues, including the gums. They can appear singly or in groups.

Canker sores are generally harmless, and their symptoms can be handled with topical medicines. If canker sores persist, you need to visit the dentist.

Z Dental appliances

Dental appliances like braces, retainers, and dentures can take time to become comfortable in the mouth. When these appliances are 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 is fitted poorly or broken. In that case, it’s time for a trip to your dentist to make sure everything is working correctly.

Z Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains 3000+ toxic chemicals, the majority of which are known to 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.

Z Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis). During chemotherapy, if your gums are sore, your dentist may be able to suggest ways to minimise gum discomfort.

Gum Treatments in Yeronga

Don’t let gum discomfort hold you back.

At Ria Family Dental in Yeronga, we provide comprehensive care that addresses your short- and long-term dental care needs.

We aim to provide an honest, judgement-free environment where we practise convenient, comfortable, and conservative care designed to maximise your smile and oral health!

Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available!

Call us on 0451 359 356 or use our online booking service here!

We are located at 1/451B Fairfield Rd in Yeronga.