What Causes Painful Peeling Skin on the Upper Gums?

Understanding Upper Gum Skin Peeling

If the soft tissue of your gums peels after brushing, you likely have a condition called desquamative gingivitis. This manifests as irritation, redness, pain and the sloughing off of thin pieces of gum tissue.

While alarming, desquamative gingivitis is manageable once the underlying cause is identified and properly treated. Certain oral health habits can also reduce gum irritation and peeling episodes.

Causes of Gum Skin Peeling

Desquamative gingivitis has several potential causal factors:

Allergic Reactions

Ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental floss or other oral products may provoke allergic contact dermatitis. The gums become inflamed and peel away in layers.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of vitamins like vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C or vitamin B2 can contribute to gum tissue irritation and shedding.

Oral Lichen Planus

This chronic inflammatory condition affects mucous membranes inside the mouth, causing painful lesions and tissue shreds on the gums.

Other Systemic Diseases

Underlying health conditions like celiac disease, IBD, diabetes, leukemia, and more are associated with gum inflammation and peeling.

Characteristics of Gum Skin Peeling

With desquamative gingivitis, the gum peeling and erosion has distinctive traits:

Location

The gum peeling only occurs on the upper gum line in most cases. The lower gums remain smooth and intact.

Appearance

Affected gums appear intensely red, shiny and swollen. The tissue takes on a “glazed” look.

Texture

Peeling gum tissue feels soft and mushy to the touch rather than firm or resilient.

Sensation

Those with desquamative gingivitis report painful, burning or sore gums. But some cases may have mild or no discomfort.

Bleeding

The eroded surface easily bleeds with normal brushing and eating.

Shedding Process

Tissue peels off starting from the back molars moving forward. Shreds may stick out but also easily rub off.

Treatment Options for Gum Skin Peeling

Successfully managing desquamative gingivitis centers on identifying and resolving the root cause. This may involve:

Allergy Testing

Patch tests determine if ingredients in oral hygiene products provoke allergic reactions. Eliminate any problematic products.

Supplementation

Correcting nutritional deficiencies with vitamin supplements often remedies peeling linked to malabsorption conditions.

Medications

Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or other medications treat inflammatory gum diseases and related systemic conditions.

Stress Reduction

Developing healthy coping mechanisms lowers stress that exacerbates some chronic diseases causing oral issues.

In addition to resolving the root problem, good home oral care helps manage irritation and discomfort of desquamative gingivitis.

Soothing Oral Care for Gum Peeling

Gentle oral hygiene limits gum irritation and tissue shedding episodes. Recommendations include:

Brush Gently

Use an extra-soft bristle toothbrush and brush damaged areas very lightly. Take care not to strip more tissue.

Floss Carefully

Avoid snapping floss against eroded gum sections. Gently slide it into place instead.

Rinse with Saltwater

Swish gently with warm salt water to remove debris and keep areas clean without harsh scrubbing.

Apply Healing Ointments

Products containing healing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, coconut oil or honey protect painful patches.

Use Sensitive Formulas

Choose non-foaming “sensitive” toothpastes free of common irritating ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate or peppermint.

Best Toothpaste for Gum Peeling

When gums are raw and weakened from frequent peeling episodes, choosing an appropriate toothpaste is key. The ideal formula will:

Avoid Harsh Abrasives

Ingredients like silica or alumina scrub aggressively, worsening tissue erosion. Opt for very mild polishing agents instead.

Exclude Potential Allergens

Scan labels carefully and avoid toothpastes containing ingredients previously shown to cause reactions in allergy testing.

Improve Oral Environments

Formulas containing antimicrobial components reduce damage-causing bacteria while some remineralizing compounds strengthen tooth structure.

Soothe Inflammation and Pain

Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamins C and E, green tea extract and licorice root ease soreness in irritated gum tissue.

Avoid Foaming Agents

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) creates foam but also dries and sensitizes tender gum tissues.

Shopping for a Desquamative Gingivitis Toothpaste

With these considerations in mind, what toothpaste brands effectively yet gently cleanse teeth without provoking further gum irritation?

Here are top options for desquamative gingivitis and gum peeling:

Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

A low-abrasion formula that remineralizes enamel without SLS foaming agents.

hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste

Uses a mild coconut-based cleaner and contains soothing aloe.

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste

Natural ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, olive oil and xylitol reduce inflammation.

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Toothpaste

Features aloe, vitamin E and chamomile to comfort irritated gums.

Jason Sea Fresh Sensitive Toothpaste

Harnesses soothing sea salts, green tea and cinnamon.

Caring for Peeling Gums

Desquamative gingivitis can be alarming and uncomfortable with upper gum skin sloughing away. But identifying causative factors along with protective oral care provides relief. Using non-irritating toothpastes with healing botanicals reduces further tissue damage while speeding gum recovery.

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.