If you’ve ever experienced any soreness, tenderness, or sometimes bleeding, in your gums after brushing your teeth, you’re not alone. There are lots of people who experience the same discomfort, and because it is such a common occurrence, many people don’t think much of it. While it might be tempting to just brush off gum pain as not a big deal, it can be an early sign of things such as gum disease, so it is important to address the discomfort sooner rather than later.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the reasons why your gums might hurt when you brush your teeth.
Gingivitis & Periodontitis
One common reason that people experience pain in their gums when brushing their teeth is Gingivitis, which is the early and mildest form of gum disease, also known as Periodontitis. Sore gums are one of the first signs that you might be suffering from Gingivitis and if left untreated, it can progress into serious gum disease. With gum disease comes more serious implications, such as potential tooth loss and other health problems. If you experience any pain in your gums while brushing your teeth, it is important to get it looked at by a dentist to make sure that your mouth is happy and healthy.
Lack of Oral Hygiene
Another reason why you might experience pain in your gums when brushing is due to poor oral hygiene. This can either be caused by not brushing and flossing enough, or it can also be the result of using the wrong toothbrush. If you use a harder-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth, this could be the cause of your pain. Instead, try opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. Ensuring that you properly brush and floss your teeth will not only help keep your gums happy and healthy but will also keep your smile bright and white!
Tobacco
Frequently using tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars can cause damage to your gums, which can, in turn, result in them being sore and causing you pain when brushing. Using tobacco products such as chewing tobacco or snuff can cause even more damage, as tobacco comes into direct contact with the gums which can cause irritation and discomfort.
If you experience pain in your gums and are a frequent tobacco user, the best way to help improve your gum health is to stop. Tobacco has been associated with gum disease, and even worse, can cause cancer.
While experiencing sore gums when brushing your teeth might be common, it is always a good idea to air on the side of caution and get it checked out by your dentist. Scheduling regular dental appointments will not only help your overall oral health but will also help your dentist to catch any issues that might arise before they have a chance to get worse.