How to Relieve Sore Gums Without a Special Trip to the Dentist
Posted: Thursday, January 07, 2010
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
There are many causes for sore gums, but barring some major medical issue, there are many ways to alleviate minor sore gum issues. Some causes for minor gum problems are:
1. Not flossing often enough.
2. Not brushing often enough.
3. Brushing too often (believe it or not, you can brush too often).
4. Using a brush that is too hard for sensitive gums.
6. Eating popcorn (another believe it or not).
1. Flossing is very important in dental hygiene..........
If when brushing your teeth, you notice excess bleeding, that is normally a sure sign that you are not flossing often enough or not flossing properly. Some people find a wax coated floss easier to use to get between teeth---especially if your teeth are very close together. And there is also the scented floss for those who like to freshen their breath at the same time.
2. You are what you eat..........
What a person eats can be a major contributor to sore gums. For instance, meat especially stringy meat such as steak or pork tends to get between your teeth and want to stay there. Also highly fibrous vegetables lodge between the teeth in minute pieces and may not be noticed until the gums become irritated. Tiny pieces of popcorn hulls can cause hours of irritation leading to very sore gums if it isn't removed as soon as possible. Flossing and brushing your teeth as soon as possible is a must after eating any type of food that tends to leave tiny particles between the teeth and gums. If this fails to remove the culprit, you may have to resort to a tooth pick. Although, tooth picks can cause scratching of the gums that can lead to irritation in its own right---so, use care when picking.
3. Take care of your tooth brush and it will take care of you............
Hard brushes and brushing too often can cause the gums to gradually pull away from the teeth. This will not only cause the gums to become sore, but will also cause the teeth to become sensitive as the root becomes more and more exposed. Harder brushes also wear down tooth enamel much more quickly than a softer brush---hard brushes are not necessary for getting cleaner teeth. Dispose of worn toothbrushes as soon as they begin to show wear. Keep your toothbrush clean and free of bacteria that may cause gum problems. If you are still concerned about which brush would be best for your individual needs, don't hesitate to discuss it with your dentist.
One good old-fashioned remedy that has always worked for me when sore gums become a minor irritant is washing my mouth out with peroxide---the kind you keep in your medicine cabinet for pouring over minor cuts and abrasions. Just don't swallow it---the taste is not necessarily the greatest thing invented and once you get past the slightly unpleasant "foaming at the mouth" sensation, you will find that usually by morning, the soreness of your gums is completely gone.
Oh, and by the way, just swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds, spit it into the sink, and wash your mouth out with water. As I said, don't swallow it---it really doesn't have a pleasant taste.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Sandra,Flossing is indeed the answer. Your article is excellent and I hope those who are in need follow your advice.Thanks for sharing this. It is a good reminder for those who don't floss enough as well. Should be done daily.Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Nancy.Sandra
Hi Sandra, a really great how-to article and good information. The only thing though, I've tried flossing a number of times but it keeps jerking my dentures out of my mouth :o{) Have a great day.Oh, my, I did forget that some people have dentures! Very funny. I guess I should consider myself lucky---64 and still have my real teeth.
great artical i think you are absalotly rightThank you, Cheyanne from Paragould.Sandra
Great article, wish I had done that. Got dentures now. If I had took better care of my teeth maybe I would still have my teeth.Thanks, Debbie, for reading and commenting.Sandra
Nice articleThanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
Good suggestions Sandra - MarijoThanks for reading and commenting, Marijo.Sandra
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