Gums are soft and fleshy tissue protecting your teeth that can get soared due to various factors leading to irritation when brushing. Gum pain is an indication of infection, injury, or irritation to the gums and teeth. Dental appliances like braces, retainers, mouth guards, and dentures can cause soreness. Tugging and pulling them constantly can make teeth and gums hurt. Resultantly, you feel pain when brushing your teeth and your gums hurt after eating. Likewise, other instances can also cause pain.
Orthodontists suggest brushing teeth at least twice a day to avoid tooth sensitivity. Experiencing pain, however, demotivates you from doing so. If your gums hurt when brushing, precautions can save you from long-term issues.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding and Hurting When Brushing?
As aforementioned, different factors can cause pain in teeth and gums. Nonetheless, a change in habits can prevent some issues, while you may need professional assistance in other cases. Below are some of the common reasons for pain in the gums:
Brushing Mistakes and Flossing
We do not pay attention to the techniques of brushing that lead to pain. Rough brushing with hard bristles in the wrong motion can hurt gums and cause bleeding. As gums are made of tissues, continuous irritation can cause soreness. Similarly, if your gums hurt after flossing, that means you must be flossing with too much pressure. It can also be an indication that you are not flossing at all.
Using a brush with soft bristles can prevent such problems. Likewise, specialists suggest brushing teeth in circular motions because back-and-forth motion may lead to several issues.
Gum Diseases
If your gums are bleeding, red, or swollen, you might have gum diseases. As said above, brushing and flossing are essentials for dental health. Not paying attention can cause dental problems. Common gum diseases are Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The former causes mild pain in gums, whereas the latter is a severe disease. Facing any of the diseases can be a major cause of feeling pain when brushing teeth.
Early diagnosis and consultation with a dentist can help get you back on track. Brushing, flossing teeth, and using mouthwash for gums can also minimize the adverse effects.
Canker Sores
It is a mouth ulcer that causes severe pain and soreness in the gums and other parts. The reason for canker sores is unknown, but it makes brushing unappealing. They usually last 14 days. However, if it lasts for longer, it is better to consult your dentist.
If you are facing the issue, gargling with salt water can alleviate pain. In addition, brush your teeth in soft motion or use mild mouthwash that does hurt ulcers.
Hormonal Fluctuation
Women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, and menopause. The changes not only affect physically but can infect gums. It is due to the fact that these hormonal changes make more blood flow to the gums. Resultantly, you feel sensitivity and swelling in the mouth.
Following some dental tips can prevent getting affected by gum diseases as your body reacts differently to bacteria during this phase. Mild brushing, using mouthwash after meals, and flossing can avert the pain. However, seeing a dentist is better to discuss several options.
Chemotherapy
Gum pain and irritation when brushing can be a side effect of chemotherapy as well. Coupled with other side effects, it reacts on your teeth resulting in bleeding and soreness. If you are struggling with the same situation, floss your teeth, rinse off your mouth often, use mild mouthwash without alcohol, or/and consult your doctor for more options.
Summing Up
Pain when brushing is not normal. Taking care of oral hygiene can minimize the pain in most cases. However, if the situation persists, see your dentist for diagnosis and recommendations.