{"id":980,"date":"2024-02-02T13:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-02T13:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.williamsburgdentalllc.com\/blog\/?p=980"},"modified":"2024-04-01T13:01:04","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T13:01:04","slug":"sore-and-inflamed-gums-5-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.williamsburgdentalllc.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/sore-and-inflamed-gums-5-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Sore and Inflamed Gums? 5 Causes to Be Aware of"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"man<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What makes a smile healthy? Most people think of strong, white teeth, but they often forget that other half\u2014healthy gums. When gums are sore or inflamed, it can not only be unpleasant but also put your smile at risk of serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what causes gum soreness and inflammation? What can you do about it? Read on to find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most common cause of this symptom is gum disease. It is estimated that half of adults over the age of 30 have an advanced form of this infection, and it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss throughout the world. Gum disease results from poor oral hygiene, especially around the gumline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing Too Hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although you may think brushing harder would lead to a more thorough cleaning job, excessive force can press against the soft gums and cause irritation and soreness. In fact, the gums can recede, potentially exposing more sensitive root surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnancy or Hormone Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you go about life, your hormones can change depending on what you experience. For example, stress triggers the production of cortisol, which usually isn\u2019t harmful in small spurts, but it is known to cause inflammation throughout the body if it\u2019s produced regularly. Pregnancy hormones can also mess with your mouth\u2019s ability to fight infection, allowing the gums to become sensitive and inflamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tobacco Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Smoking, vaping, or any other use of tobacco is unhealthy not only for your lungs but also for your mouth. In addition to substantially increasing your risk of oral cancer, these habits have been known to lead to gum sensitivity and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Irritation from Oral Appliances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, even oral appliances that are meant to help your smile may irritate your gum tissue. For example, dentures or braces can rub against soft tissues, causing temporary inflammation or soreness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remedies for Inflamed Gums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although some of these causes are somewhat out of your control, there are things you can do to fight inflammation in your gums:<\/p>\n\n\n\n