Sensitive gums can be a real pain. Proper dental hygiene is the best way to treat and prevent dental sensitivity. There are many dental hygiene products available for gum sensitivity, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Talk to a dentist about all gum symptoms, including sensitivity, bleeding, or swelling.
Sensitive gums can affect anyone. Symptoms of sensitive gums include pain while eating cold or hot food, inflammation of the gums, and frequent bleeding when brushing or flossing. The most common cause of gum sensitivity is poor dental hygiene. Certain types of cancer and poor nutrition can also cause painful gums, so talk to a doctor if you practice good oral hygiene and continue to have gum sensitivity.
Brush and floss at least twice a day. Gum sensitivity is often a sign that your teeth are not being cleaned thoroughly enough. Brush frequently to make sure that plaque doesn't develop under the gums and become infected. Flossing is just as important, if not more important, to your oral hygiene as brushing. Your toothbrush alone cannot remove all the plaque and food from your mouth. Make sure to supplement brushing with flossing every day.
A soft toothbrush can help treat and prevent sensitive gums. Hard toothbrush bristles agitate gum tissue, which can make you want to avoid brushing, especially if your gums are already sore. Electric toothbrushes generally come with soft bristles and can make a significant difference in your dental hygiene. Electric or not, make sure to brush each tooth individually, using circular motions for best results.
Sensitive gums require gentle yet thorough care. Flossing is essential to gum health, cleaning areas that the toothbrush just can't reach. Gum sensitivity affects a large number of people, creating a market for dental hygiene products that are easy on the gums. Woven floss is easier on gums. Check the labels of floss for gentleness.
The water pik is a great alternative to flossing. This option is especially beneficial for people who find it too painful to floss or simply can't seem to form the habit. The water pik effectively cleans between teeth and under the gums. It's a great option for gum sensitivity because, unlike floss, it massages gums and can ease pain.
Another option for gum sensitivity treatment is medicated gum gel for pain relief. These gels specifically and exclusively treat the pain accompanying sensitive gums. The gel cannot clean the infected areas but can provide some pain relief.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive gums. There are a wide variety of toothpaste and mouthwash brands available over the counter created specifically for gum soreness and sensitivity. Typically, people who wear dentures suffer from sensitive gums,and so denture toothpaste and mouthwash is also a good option. Many people swear by natural ingredients in toothpaste to treat gum sensitivity. Try out a few brands and see what works best for you.
Get a professional cleaning. Most dental hygiene depends on good habits at home, but dentists are trained to use tools for deeper and more thorough cleanings. Gum sensitivity may be a sign that you need the help of a dentist to restore health to your gums. Dentists can also train you on the latest dental hygiene practices so you can prevent recurring gum problems.
Completely treating gum sensitivity also includes lifestyle adjustments. A balanced diet and quitting smoking can quickly improve gum health. Vitamin C deficiency is correlated with sensitive gums, so make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Smoking basically guarantees gum deterioration. Gum disease prevention is among the many health-related reasons to quit smoking.