Everything from tobacco usage to sports-related injuries can irritate your gums. However, sometimes gum irritation is self-induced.
While your teeth are the hardest substance in your body, your gums are one of your body’s softer tissues. Delicate and moist, gum tissues can be irritated by several things, from sports-related injuries to accidental falls. However, there’s also a chance that your irritated gums are self-induced via certain foods, whitening treatments, or even your brushing technique.
The best way to prevent such irritation is by understanding what causes it. Here are four common culprits behind self-induced gum irritation and what you can do about them:
1. Brushing too vigorously
While you should thoroughly brush your teeth each day, don’t brush them too aggressively. It seems logical that applying a lot of pressure will keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean, but it can actually irritate your gums. Using excessive force while brushing may even cause severe infections.
Tip: Many people believe that using a hard-bristled toothbrush will clean more thoroughly than a soft-bristled one. However, hard bristles can erode enamel, recede gum margins, and cause tooth sensitivity. Stick to soft bristles!
2. Flossing incorrectly
When it comes to flossing, you also don’t want to overdo it. Flossing too vigorously or with too much pressure can lead to gum irritation. Snapping floss into place can even bruise or cut your gums, causing bleeding.
Best practice:
- Start with 18 inches of floss
- Wind the ends around your middle fingers
- Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers
- Move the floss slowly to dislodge plaque
- Curve the floss gently along the base of each tooth
This technique helps you clean below the gum line without damaging delicate tissue.
3. Using home whitening treatments
Peroxide-based home whitening treatments are another common culprit behind gum irritation. While over-the-counter whitening strips or trays can whiten your teeth, they weren’t designed to fit your mouth’s unique contours. Consequently, peroxide may come into contact with your gums during the whitening process, leading to irritation.
Tip: Instead of using at-home bleaching products, visit a dental professional. They’ll create a custom-fitted whitening tray to ensure the bleaching product doesn’t come into contact with your gums.
4. Eating the wrong foods
Your dietary choices may also be responsible for gum irritation. Hard candies, potato chips, and other crunchy foods can scrape against your gums while you chew, removing gum lining and causing irritation.
Try this instead: Switch to healthy, crunchy alternatives like carrots and celery — they help clean your teeth while stimulating saliva flow.
Other foods to watch out for:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Potato chips
- Sugarcane
These can get lodged in your gums, potentially causing irritation or infection. Also, avoid sipping hot beverages that can burn soft tissue.
Preventing future irritation
Having irritated gums can be frustrating and even painful. Luckily, there are several quick and easy ways to prevent it:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use short, precise strokes at a 45-degree angle to your gum line
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months
- Floss gently using proper technique — or try a water flosser if traditional flossing is difficult
- For relief: use warm salt water rinses, OTC pain relievers, topical gels, or hot/cold compresses
If your gum irritation persists or worsens, it’s time to consult your dentist. They can help determine if your habits or an underlying issue are to blame — and get your gums back to health.
Soothe your gums with expert care
Schedule an appointment with Espire Dental today! Our skilled dentists can identify the cause of your gum irritation and help you prevent future discomfort.
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