It’s never a nice feeling when you start wondering – why do my gums burn? Is it something serious? What should I do? Here are all the possible culprits behind swollen gums and, more importantly, how our team at Aspire Dental Wellness can help get your smile back to feeling great.
Why Do My Gums Burn?
So, what does it mean when your gums hurt? Well, it might be something as simple as the fact you’re brushing your teeth too hard. If you’re wearing braces or dentures, maybe they’re not fitted properly, and that’s the cause of irritation.
Hormonal changes, canker sores, and tooth abscesses are also possible culprits. Soreness is also the first sign of gum disease (periodontitis), which can be pretty serious when left unaddressed. Now, let’s go through each case scenario and see how you can get your smile back on track.
Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard?
Why does my top gum hurt when I brush my teeth? Well, it’s always tempting to go a bit too hard with your oral hygiene routine, especially on that upper set of teeth. However, your pearly whites shouldn’t be scrubbed like a stubborn stain on the carpet.
Being too aggressive with the brushing won’t do any good. In fact, you can wear down tooth enamel over time, and that’s something you can’t get back. So, rethink your usual routine and introduce some changes if needed.
A Soft-Bristled Brush Does the Job Just Fine
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush, either manual or electric. Brush gently, and don’t forget to give your gums some love, too. To alleviate soreness, you can also rinse your mouth with saltwater.
Hormonal Changes Can Have a Significant Effect on Gum Health
Plenty of research suggests that menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s gum health. Drastic hormonal changes that happen during these stages can result in tender or even bleeding gums.
In the same sense, puberty and constant stress can cause inflammation of the gums. Whatever the reason may be, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist about it. As everything is interconnected, a holistic approach is the right move in these cases.
Canker Sores Should Go Away on Their Own
The inside of your cheeks is not the only place where canker sores can develop. Luckily, you don’t have to sit around and wonder – why do my bottom gums hurt? You can just get in front of the mirror and take a look yourself.
Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores have a white center and red edges, and they sometimes have a white coating as well. The good news is that they should go away on their own within a week or two.
To alleviate the soreness, you can rinse your mouth with salt water and even apply an ice cube or a cold compress. Watch what you eat – spicy and acidic foods can irritate your gums further. If the canker sore does not go away after a couple of weeks, it’s time to go ahead and schedule an appointment with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark.
Why Does My Gum Hurt? Here’s How Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist Can Help
Even if the culprit is something as simple as brushing too vigorously, don’t be afraid to schedule a dentist appointment and talk to them about it. A true professional will be happy to answer any questions you may have. On the other hand, see your dentist in Charlotte, NC, immediately if you’re experiencing:
- Discomfort that’s not going away,
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold,
- Bleeding gums,
- Receding gums,
- Loose teeth.
If something more serious lies underneath, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, has the experience to tackle it. Maybe your dentures are not fitted properly – we can fix that. Maybe you’re dealing with a tooth abscess – we can perform a root canal treatment. Even in the most serious case scenario – periodontitis – we’ve got effective solutions.
Our Team Can Help Treat Gum Disease
While the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, usually doesn’t involve swelling and bleeding, these are the first signs of the advanced stage, periodontitis. If you’re regularly visiting us for dental cleanings and exams, we’ll be able to catch the early signs, even before you start experiencing any discomfort.
When left untreated, this condition can result in various complications. Luckily, there are many solutions, from laser treatment for periodontal disease to convenient at-home methods. For example, Aspire Dental Wellness offers Perio ProtectⓇ, which is comprised of a custom-made tray and a hydrogen peroxide gel. It’s an effective way to get your smile back on track, all from the comfort of your own home.
Get Your Gums Back in Shape With Aspire Dental Wellness
Experiencing discomfort is never a good thing, and you definitely shouldn’t go through life trying to endure it. At Aspire Dental Wellness, getting you back to feeling great starts with the non-invasive, comfortable treatments we offer. Thanks to our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, there are plenty of ways to tackle any issue that lies underneath. Contact us today – your smile deserves nothing but the best!
