What Causes Sore Gums?

Sore gums are a common problem that affect a lot of people, but part of the reason they are so common is that they can have any number of causes which makes them fairly hard to diagnose and explain. Here we'll look at just a few of the causes so that maybe you can identify particularly which are causing your problem.

Brushing: If you brush too hard or forcefully directly onto the gums this can actually cause more harm than good and scratch them while you clean. If your gums bleed right after cleaning this could be the case, and often it happens when a toothbrush is reaching the end of its tether and isn't as soft as it once was as a result. Try changing toothbrushes and make an effort not to be so forceful on the gums and see if this helps.

Ulcer: If you have an ulcer on your gums themselves this can of course cause a significant amount of pain – and particularly when it is right between the gum and the inside of the lip. This will be noticeable particularly when you talk or move your mouth as it will rub on the inside. Try gargling with TCP and lowering your stress levels to combat these.

Gum disease: Gum disease is one of the biggest causes of sore gums. Also known as gingivitis it will also involve swollen and bleeding gums as well as sensitivity. The gums may also recede slightly making you look 'long in the tooth'. Leaving gum disease to develop can result in the loss of potentially all of your teeth, so it is important to catch it early. If you see any signs of potential gum disease then you should see a doctor or dentist. To prevent it, ensure you regularly floss your teeth and use an anti-bacterial mouth watch to kill bacteria before it develops.

Foods: Some people with sensitive gums may find that they experience soreness after certain foods eaten in large quantities. This are particularly acidic foods such as pineapple or citrus fruits or foods with a high sugar count. To combat this, ensure that you avoid eating these foods in too high quantities, and rinse your mouth immediately after consuming them.

Prescription drugs: Some prescription drugs can cause the gums to swell and become sore as a side effect. This is caused by the drugs drying out areas of the mouth that are normally moist which makes the gums become thin and sensitive. This is commonly found for example of cancer medication. Should you notice this or any other side effects when using prescription drugs you should consult your physician. Similarly treatments such as chemotherapy can affect the immune system's ability to fight infection increasing your chances of developing gum disease.