What Causes Gum Tissue Peeling Inside Your Mouth?

What Causes Gums to Peel in Your Mouth?

Noticing your gums peeling away inside your mouth can be alarming. However, minor gum peeling usually results from simple irritation rather than serious disease. Identifying the trigger allows proper treatment to soothe discomfort and prevent ongoing gum sensitivity.

Common Causes of Gum Peeling

A few typical culprits lead to gum tissue sloughing off inside the mouth:

• New toothpaste ingredients
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Spicy foods
• Mouth injury or burns
• Oral infections
• Vitamin deficiencies

Fortunately, gum peeling from these causes tends to resolve once the source of irritation is removed and proper oral care resumes.

Symptoms Alongside Gum Peeling

Depending on the reason for gum sloughing, other accompanying symptoms may include:

• Gum pain or soreness
• Bleeding from gums
• Canker sores
• Tingling, burning, or numb mouth
• Bad breath
• Fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness

Pay attention to associated symptoms, which provide clues to the underlying cause and suitable treatments.

Gum Irritation from Toothpastes and Foods

For many people, gum peeling results from simple irritation by ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwashes, or common foods:

Toothpaste Ingredients

Toothpastes aim to clean teeth but often contain detergents and chemicals that also strip and irritate delicate gum tissue. Common culprits include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Flavorings and perfumes
• Tartar control agents
• Baking soda

Switching to an SLS-free, milder toothpaste often relieves associated gum discomfort and peeling.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

While vitamin C-rich citrus offers nutrition, direct contact from acidic juices with gum tissue causes inflammation and peeling in some people. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes commonly trigger sensitivity.

Spicy Foods

Similarly, capsaicin and similar compounds give hot peppers and other spicy dishes a flavor kick that burns sensitive gums. Chili peppers or curries can sting gum areas, causing redness and peeling.

Rinsing with water after eating and avoiding brushing immediately after helps prevent further gum irritation from foods.

Serious Causes of Gum Peeling

In some cases, gum peeling results from more serious underlying issues needing medical diagnosis and solutions, such as:

Oral Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the mouth compromise gum health. Periodontal disease bacteria eat away gum tissue, while herpes virus outbreaks cause painful canker sores with gum peeling and bleeding.

Trauma or Burns

Mouth injuries from sharp foods, oral surgery, or hot liquids directly damage gum tissue layers. Chemical burns from strong mouthwashes or over-brushing also erode and peel gums.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lacking key nutrients compromises oral cell regeneration and health. Common deficiencies impairing gum condition include vitamins C, A, and B12, iron, and folate among others.

Seek dentist help identifying any underlying condition requiring targeted treatment beyond just symptom relief if gum problems persist.

Treating Bleeding, Sore Gums

Relieving gum discomfort and encouraging healing involves:

Remove Irritants

Eliminate potential irritants while gums recover. Switch to bland, soft foods, sensitive toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, and soft bristle brush.

Rinse with Saltwater

Swish gently with warm salt water to draw out inflammation and soothe abraded tissues.

Apply Healing Gel

Use oral gel containing antioxidants, aloe vera, vitamin E or other natural compounds to coat gums with protective nutrients.

Take Anti-Inflammatories

Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce swollen, inflamed gum tissues.

Get Dentist Care

See your dentist to assess gum damage, rule out infection, and debride peeling tissue preventing reattachment. Professional cleaning removes bacteria and irritants.

Implement home care alongside dental treatments to resolve moderate gum irritation and promote revascularization of peeled tissue.

Caring for Vulnerable Gum Tissue

Once gums start peeling, the protective outer layer is compromised and requires careful handling to prevent further damage while healing. Tips include:

Brush Gently

Use extra-soft bristles and light pressure focused only on teeth rather than stripping inflamed gums.

Floss Carefully

Avoid snapping floss against delicate gum tissue which can tear off peeling sections before reattachment occurs.

Rinse After Eating

Gently swish water after meals to clear food debris rather than harsh brushing at first.

Avoid Whitening Products

Bleaching agents further dry out and irritate already vulnerable gum tissue.

Boost Cell Turnover

Eat plenty of vitamin C, vitamin A, collagen and CoQ10 to fuel new gum cell production.

With a gentle regimen, swollen and painful gums heal within 7-10 days in mild cases of peeling.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Contact your dentist promptly or seek emergency help if you experience:

• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Painful swelling inside or outside the mouth
• Pus discharge
• Fevers, chills, or fatigue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Numbness or loss of function in mouth or face

These signs indicate a possible abscess, infection spreading, or other serious condition requiring urgent attention to prevent lasting damage.

Preventing Further Gum Irritation

Once gum peeling subsides, take proactive steps to prevent recurrence:

• Use sensitive formula toothpaste
• Rinse mouth after acidic foods
• Brush gently with soft bristles
• Floss lightly each day
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Schedule regular dental cleanings

Practicing good oral hygiene alongside a healthy diet supports fast gum healing and keeps tissue resistant to future irritation.

When to See Your Dentist

Consult your dentist if:

• Gum peeling and pain persists longer than 10-14 days
• You experience ongoing gum bleeding
• Significant gum recession occurs
• You notice pus, foul odor, or grey/black tissue

A dentist identifies and treats underlying gum disease or other issues to restore full oral health.

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.