Understanding and Treating Skin Peeling Off Gums

Understanding Skin Peeling in the Mouth

It can be alarming to notice the skin peeling away inside your mouth, especially after brushing your teeth. However, this condition is more common than you may think. Known medically as desquamative gingivitis, the peeling and soreness is often triggered by certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.

The good news is that with some simple adjustments to your oral hygiene routine, you can typically prevent the skin inside your mouth from peeling away and relieve any associated discomfort.

What Causes Skin Peeling Inside the Mouth?

Skin peeling inside the mouth is generally caused by inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. When the soft tissue inside the mouth becomes inflamed, it can begin to wear away, leading to peeling and irritation.

Gingivitis occurs as a result of plaque and bacteria buildup around the gumline. If the inflammation becomes chronic, it can start to break down the tissue and cause sloughing or peeling. The use of certain oral hygiene products like mouthwashes and toothpastes may also trigger gum inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Some of the most common culprits that lead to skin peeling off gums include:

• Poor oral hygiene allowing plaque to irritate gums
• Harsh ingredients in toothpastes or mouthwashes like alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavors, and detergents
• Hormonal changes like pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes that increase infection risk
• Nutritional deficiencies that impact oral health
• Stress leading to a weakened immune system and inflammation

Additionally, those with sensitive skin or allergies may simply have an underlying predisposition towards skin irritation inside the mouth after brushing. If the gums are frequently red, sore, or irritated after oral hygiene, it likely indicates skin sensitivity.

When to See a Dentist

Its always a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist if you have painful or irritated gums that are leading to mouth skin peeling. A dentist can:

• Check for signs of gum disease and infection
• Look for cavities and other oral health issues
• Clean the teeth thoroughly to remove all built-up plaque
• Evaluate if medications or health conditions are contributing to symptoms
• Discuss options to alleviate skin sensitivity and discomfort

See your dentist promptly if the gum peeling is severe or accompanied by bleeding gums, loose teeth, foul mouth odor, or increasing sensitivity and pain. These may indicate a dental emergency like an abscess or advanced periodontal disease requiring urgent treatment.

Protecting Oral Skin from Irritation and Damage

The good news is that with attentive oral hygiene and some minor product adjustments, you can typically stop the skin inside your mouth from peeling without needing extensive dental work.

Caring for Your Toothbrush

A worn-out toothbrush with frayed bristles can lead to more gum irritation. Swap your brush for a new one every 3 months or after illness. Rinse toothbrushes thoroughly after use and allow them to air dry to limit bacterial overgrowth.

Flossing and Using Mouthwash

While flossing scrapes plaque away beneath the gumline, mouthwash like Listerine helps kill germs to reduce inflammation after meals or brushing.

Avoiding Common Irritants

Harsh ingredients in many over-the-counter oral hygiene products can simply be too abrasive for some sensitive mouths. Common irritants to avoid include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Alcohol
• Triclosan
• Sodium hydroxide
• Detergents
• Flavors like mint, citrus, and cinnamon

Read ingredient lists and select products free of dyes, parabens, artificial flavors/scents, and other unnecessary additives whenever possible. This helps prevent tingling, burning, pain, or post-brushing damage.

Ditching Irritating Habits

Habits like aggressive brushing, using your teeth to open packaging, and nail-biting can also worsen gum irritation. Be gentle when brushing and flossing while keeping other objects away from your sensitive gums.

Best Toothpastes and Mouthwashes for Skin Peeling Off Gums

Sticking to gentle, soothing oral products tailored for sensitive mouths is key when gums are prone to sloughing or peeling after brushing. Some top options include:

Sensodyne Toothpaste

Any variety of Sensodyne is formulated without common irritants like SLS and flavors. The nourishing, low-abrasion paste helps relieve post-brushing discomfort.

Squigle Toothpaste

This natural toothpaste soothes inflammation and coats teeth to prevent sensitivity. It is free of irritants found in mainstream pastes.

Toms of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Toothpaste

Toms uses naturally-derived silicas for gentle polishing power without harsh abrasives. It helps clean teeth while calming irritated gums.

Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste

The Gum Detoxify line harnesses the power of stannous fluoride to treat gingivitis and swelling. Users report it effectively eases sore, peeling gums.

Oral Essentials Mouthwash

Salt water and oxygen naturally kill germs whiletea tree oil and aloe vera work to heal irritated oral tissue in this soothing rinse.

Always discontinue use and ask your dentist for alternatives if a given product seems to worsen gum sloughing instead of providing relief.

Medical Treatment for Chronic Skin Peeling Off Gums

For some people, at-home adjustments just arent enough to resolve painful gum irritation and peeling. If you still struggle with post-brushing damage and discomfort despite switching products and improving oral hygiene, dont hesitate to work with your healthcare provider.

Prescription Toothpastes

Dentists may be able to provide prescription-strength toothpastes made just for highly sensitive teeth and gum issues when over-the-counter options fail.

Topical Medications

If inflammation seems to spread deeper below the gumline, medicated dental trays or antibiotic chips placed temporarily beside the tooth can help ease this desquamative gingivitis.

Professional Cleanings

In-office deep cleanings to remove built-up calculus deposits help eliminate bacteria, enhancing gum healing. Custom treatment plans to suit individual oral health are also available.

Surgery

For severe recurrent cases of skin peeling gums not responsive to other therapies, periodontal surgery to remove damaged tissue and recontour gum margins may provide lasting relief in some individuals.

Talk to your dentist and come up with a treatment plan catered to your unique mouth sensitivity issues so you can brush comfortably without gum irritation or peeling.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.