Ouch! Why Your Gums Hurt When Brushing

Reasons Why Your Gums Hurt When Brushing

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. But if you find your gums are sore or bleeding when you brush, it could be a sign of a problem. Sensitive and painful gums can occur for a variety of reasons.

Gum pain when brushing can sometimes indicate improper brushing. Using too much pressure, over-brushing, or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can irritate the gums over time. However, gum sensitivity can also signal an underlying dental health issue that needs attention.

Read on to learn about some of the most common causes of gum pain with brushing and what you can do to help prevent and treat it.

Brushing Too Hard

One of the most frequent reasons people experience gum pain and sensitivity when they brush is that they are using too much pressure. Aggressively scrubbing the teeth and gums can damage gum tissue over time.

Healthy gums fit snuggly around each tooth. When you brush too vigorously, it can abrade the gum tissue, exposing the sensitive root surfaces and causing pain. This can lead to receding gums as well.

Applying extra pressure while brushing also does not do a better job of removing plaque and bacteria. A gentle, circular scrubbing motion is sufficient to clean teeth and massage the gums. Let the bristles do the work rather than applying extra force.

Using a Stiff-Bristled Toothbrush

The texture of your toothbrush bristles also plays a role. Stiff, hard bristles can irritate and poke the gums, making them tender and prone to bleeding.

Look for a toothbrush labeled soft or extra-soft, which have gentle tapered bristles that are easier on gum tissue. The flexibility of soft bristles allows them to follow the contours of teeth without abrasively scrubbing the gums.

Electric toothbrushes may also help reduce gum irritation compared to aggressive scrubbing with a manual brush. The sonic vibrations help remove plaque while the brush head glides smoothly over gum surfaces.

Gingivitis

If your gums are consistently sore and bleed easily when you brush, it may be a case of gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused when plaque builds up along the gumline.

The toxins from plaque bacteria trigger inflammation and irritation in the gums. As gingivitis progresses, gums turn red, swollen, and tender. They may bleed from brushing or when flossing.

While gingivitis does not damage the underlying tissues and bone, leaving it untreated can cause it to advance to more serious forms of gum disease like periodontitis. See your dentist if brushing leads to persisting sore, inflamed gums.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory gum infection that occurs when gingivitis has worsened over time. Bacterial plaque spreads below the gum line, causing damage to the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

As periodontitis progresses, the gums pull back from teeth, forming deep infected pockets. These pockets fill with bacteria, eventually destroying the periodontal ligaments and bone. Teeth can loosen and even fall out in severe cases.

People with periodontitis often experience pronounced pain and sensitivity when brushing their teeth. The gums are inflamed, sore, and prone to bleeding. As tissue damage continues, teeth may start to feel loose when brushing as well.

See a dentist right away if you suspect periodontitis so steps can be taken to eliminate active infections before substantial tooth loss occurs. Proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings help treat and control the condition.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the mouth. It covers the insides of the cheeks, gums, tongue, and tonsils with white cottage cheese-like lesions.

As the fungal infection spreads, it can cause sensitivity, pain, and inflammation in the gums. Brushing may disturb the sores and make them bleed. Oral thrush sometimes occurs after taking antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth allowing Candida to overgrow.

See a dentist for an antifungal medication to clear up thrush infections. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent fungal overgrowth as well.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small white or yellowish ulcers that crop up inside the mouth on the gums or inner cheeks. Unlike cold sores, canker sores dont occur on the outer lips and arent contagious.

Brushing over a canker sore can be quite painful. These mouth ulcers look like craters in the gums with a red border. Canker sores tend to heal on their own within a week or two.

Avoid irritating canker sores further by brushing very gently around them. Over-the-counter numbing gels and rinses with anti-inflammatories provide temporary relief. See a dentist if canker sores persist.

Allergies to Toothpaste Ingredients

Sometimes sore, irritated gums from brushing are due to contact allergies to ingredients in toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental floss.

Common toothpaste allergens include mint flavoring, sodium lauryl sulfate, and triclosan. Switching to a simple, all-natural brand may provide relief. Look for SLS-free toothpastes as well.

Allergic reactions to metal floss picks can also cause gum irritation. Nylon floss or water flossers are less abrasive alternatives if this occurs.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can lead to gum tenderness and pain when brushing. Through repetitive jaw clenching and grinding, people with bruxism put excess pressure on teeth that can inflame and wear down gum tissue.

Look for signs of excessive teeth grinding like dull headaches or sore jaw muscles upon waking. See your dentist about wearing a custom night guard to protect your teeth and gums from damage during sleep.

Improper Flossing Technique

Incorrect flossing technique can damage gums over time, leading to soreness when brushing. Avoid vigorously snapping floss into the gums. Instead, gently slide it against tooth surfaces in a C-shape hugging each one.

Use a light hand when flossing and don't scrape back and forth. Let the floss do the cleaning rather than applying harsh forces. A gentle flossing method prevents gum abrasions.

Dental Work Irritation

Its common to experience some residual gum soreness after extensive dental work like fillings, crowns, bridges, or tooth extractions. Gums may be tender and irritated for several days as they heal.

Brush gently around treatment sites while avoiding the area directly until fully recovered. Saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain medication can relieve post-dental work discomfort.

Improper Brushing Technique

Besides brushing too aggressively, improper technique can contribute to gum problems. Make sure to brush at a 45-degree angle aimed toward the gums to clean just below the gumline where bacteria hide.

Gently massage all areas of the mouth equally, including the tongue, cheeks, and palate. Don't just brush horizontally but use vertical strokes as well. Let the bristles sweep between teeth.

Take your time and brush thoroughly for at least 2 minutes. Proper technique paired with a soft brush prevents gum irritation when brushing.

How to Prevent and Soothe Sore Gums from Brushing

If your gums are frequently sore and painful when you brush, there are ways you can help prevent and treat the problem:

• Use a soft or extra-soft bristle toothbrush
• Brush gently using light pressure
• Upgrade to an electric

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.