Worried or annoyed that your gums are aching? It can be due to anything from a bad habit to something that warrants a trip to the dentist. Before you panic, take a few deep breaths and keep on reading first. Below you will come across some of the most common reasons behind painful gums.

Especially if you have family and friends who regard their smiles as some of their best assets, make sure that you share this article on your various social media sites afterwards.

Aggressive Brushing

Most of the time, it’s brushing like there’s no tomorrow that can be blamed for your achy gums. It can be very easy for your gums to become irritated and even damaged if you brush aggressively. To keep your gums out of harm’s way, brush gently using a toothbrush with soft bristles. It’s also a good idea for you to replace your toothbrush every 3 months to spare you from the feeling that you have to brush really hard just to clean your teeth very well.

Rough Flossing

Nothing can make your gums ache more than flossing as if you’re perfecting your woodworking skills. The goal of flossing is to keep your pearly whites and gums out of harm’s way, not harm them yourself. If after flossing your gums feel painful and also bleeding a lot, you are doing it aggressively.

Consuming Something Blistering Hot

In some instances, gum pain can be due to the fact that your gums are burned. Such can easily strike especially if you are fond of consuming foods and beverages that are scorching hot. The good news is your gums can easily bounce back from a burn. For about a week or so, refrain from having pizza fresh from the oven or coffee that’s practically boiling. After all, it’s not just your gums that can be burned by blistering hot foods and drinks, but other soft tissues in your mouth.

Allergic Reactions

Trying a new oral care product on the market is a normal step that’s taken by anyone who wants to have the perfect smile. If your gums feel achy after using a different brand of toothpaste or mouthwash, you may be allergic to some of the ingredients of the product you just used. It’s not uncommon for your gums to hurt, too, after using an at-home whitening kit whose ingredients are simply too harsh for your delicate gum tissues.

Cigarette Smoking

Are you a smoker? If so, then don’t be surprised if it seems like your gums feel painful all the time. Toxins in cigarettes can wreak havoc to your gums in so many ways. In fact, dentists say that smoking can increase your risk of having gum disease. Such terrible habit is also regarded as a risk factor for deadly oral cancer.

Gum Disease

Speaking of gum disease, it may be the one to blame for your achy gums. This is especially true if it appears as though your gums are also swollen, red and bleeding most of the time. Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, and it is usually brought about by having poor oral hygiene. If not controlled, gingivitis may turn to periodontal disease, which is something that can damage not only the gums but also neighboring tissues and bones.

Canker Sores

Also known as oral sores, canker sores can cause a lot of pain. They can appear on practically any area in your mouth and your gums are included. There are times wherein a canker sore is the result of a trauma to your gums, such as something that’s due to aggressive brushing or the consumption of foods that are crunchy or have sharp edges. There are instances, too, in which a canker sore is due to things such as stress, a weakened immune system or nutritional deficiencies.