Are Your Gums Tender?

Are your gums tender? While it might be simple to assume it has something to do with the way you slept or the orange juice you had for breakfast, there are also other reasons and it is vital that you honestly ask yourself some questions – the answers to which might send you to the dentist’s chair.

1. Are your gums tender after engaging in a contact sport? The odds are good that you took an elbow to the mouth or maybe were hit in the face with an item related to the exercise of this sport. Although this is not necessarily a dangerous problem, it is wise to keep a close eye on your mouth, especially if the feelings of tenderness increase over the course of the next few days rather than decrease. Tenderness that increases may be a sign that the blow did more damage than you initially considered and you will be wise to visit your dentist to have an x-ray taken so as to avoid tooth loss. Suggestions for future safety include a review of the safety equipment you use, and perhaps also its quality or quantity.

2. Are your gums tender after taking out your dentures or bridges? There is a possibility that the removable dental prostheses are no longer fitting as well as they should. This might be the result of normal wear and tear or it may point to a change in your mouth’s overall structure that requires a refitting. An appointment with your dentist will permit your dental health care professional to take a look at the items and measure your oral cavity and then compare these measurements to the ones originally taken when the dentures were first fitted. She or he can then make any adjustments needed.

3. Are your gums tender after eating? Think back and remember what food or drink you were ingesting when you noticed the feelings of tender gums. Was it an acidic drink like orange juice or maybe a cold one like iced tea? Was it after chewing a tough piece of meat or was it after eating a bite of hot mashed potatoes? Even though this kind of tenderness may be normal, it is important to track it for a few days to make sure that the tenderness does not increase. In the meantime, it is a good idea to take a daily multivitamin and also iron supplement (unless your doctor disapproves) to make sure you are not suffering from a nutritional deficiency.

4. Are your gums tender after brushing and flossing and is there some blood on your toothbrush? This is a surefire indicator of your brushing too hard or, if this is not the case, of your suffering from gingivitis. This necessitates a visit to the dental health care professional who will need to remove dangerous tartar buildup to prevent any further damage to your gum tissues and dental structures.

5. Are your gums tender after rinsing your mouth with an oral rinse? Check the label and if you notice that the mouthwash contains alcohol, go ahead and switch it for a more natural solution. You dental hygienist should be able to give you some suggestions for homemade rinses but if you want to just buy one, check the health food section of your supermarket for the less harsh options that rely on botanicals rather than chemicals to remove bacteria and leave your mouth feeling, looking, and smelling great.