Are you suffering from a toothache? If so, then you must be wondering what exactly is the meaning of gum pain when brushing your teeth. When your gums begin to hurt when brushing your teeth, you know there’s something wrong and that you need to take action fast. You can’t just ignore the pain or assume it will go away on its own — especially if it continues to get worse. The pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong with your gums and that they aren’t healthy.
Left untreated, gum disease has been known to lead to other issues like cardiovascular disease, meningitis, and even premature death. So as much as it might not feel like it right now, trust us; getting treatment for those painful gums is in your best interests!
What is the Meaning of Gum Pain When Brushing Teeth?
Aging is one of the main reasons why we see gum pain when brushing our teeth. To begin with, older people have less collagen and elastin in the gums which slows down the healing process. As you get older, you might notice that your gums are more sensitive to hot and cold foods. The bacteria in your mouth change with age, and older people tend to have more aggressive bacteria. The bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease need a place to grow.
Once your teeth have been cleaned, the plaque can turn into scum that sticks to teeth and gums. You can remove this scum with the help of a toothbrush. If you don’t maintain the cleanliness of your teeth and gums, they can become infected. At this point, gum disease can set in. Gum pain when brushing teeth can also be a sign of injury to your gums and mouth. New dentures may rub the inside of your mouth, creating an injury. Injuries in the mouth can cause infections.
Causes of Gum Pain When Brushing Teeth
There are many ways in which gum pain when brushing teeth can occur. In some cases, chronic gingivitis, or gum inflammation, may cause the gums to become inflamed. This can lead to periodontitis, which is characterized by gum pockets that trap bacteria. Bacteria found in the mouth cause gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum pain when brushing teeth can also be caused by a yeast infection, which is referred to as candidiasis.
Candidiasis occurs when the naturally present bacteria in your mouth overgrow. This can create an acidic environment in your mouth, which can cause damage to your gums and lead to gum pain when brushing your teeth. Gum pain when brushing teeth can also be caused by a bacterial infection, a condition known as pseudomonas. This type of bacterial infection is often seen in people who wear dentures. Another cause of gum pain when brushing teeth is an injury to the gums. This can happen if you wear dentures and do not clean them properly or have braces and do not clean underneath them.
Chronic Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Chronic gum inflammation can manifest itself as swelling in the gums, redness, and pain when brushing teeth. If the swelling is significant, people often describe it as a feeling similar to that of having a mouthful of taffy. If your gums are in this painful state, you need to take action right away. Chronic gum inflammation can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. If left untreated, chronic gum inflammation can also lead to tooth loss.
Acute Gingivitis and Tongue Swelling
If the swelling of your gums is acute, it can also lead to tongue swelling. If your gums become inflamed and there is a risk of it progressing to an infection, it is advised that you see a dentist. Gum pain when brushing teeth can also be caused by gum disease. If you have gum disease, your gums will be red and swollen. They may also bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on teeth. If you have gum disease, you’ll need antibiotics and dental lasers to treat it.
How to Treat Gum Pain When Brushing Teeth?
A first step in resolving gum pain when brushing teeth is to determine the cause of the pain. Once you know what is causing the pain, you can take the appropriate steps to address it. Here are a few things you can do to treat gum pain when brushing your teeth: Brush your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush: You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, so be sure to set a timer. You can also use an electric toothbrush. If you choose to use a regular toothbrush, be sure to use a soft-bristled one.
You should also be brushing the roof of your mouth and the inside of your cheeks with this method. Floss regularly: You should floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. You can also use an interdental cleaner to clean in between your teeth more effectively. Use mouthwash regularly: Mouthwash kills germs and bacteria in the mouth, which can help prevent gum disease from developing. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can also prevent gum disease as it helps to flush out toxins from the body.
Conclusion
Gum pain when brushing teeth can be a red flag for more serious issues like periodontitis. If you begin to experience pain when brushing your teeth, you should be sure to see a dentist as soon as possible. Regular cleaning along with good oral hygiene practices should help prevent gum pain when brushing teeth.
We hope this article has given you some valuable insight into gum pain. For more information on dental topics and oral hygiene, check out our blog here!