Gingivitis Cures
Periodontal Disease Treatment

Sensitive Gums

Question:

After a long period of stress, I was diagnosed with lichen planus, which affects my gums and the lining of my mouth. Now, almost ten years later, my life is calmer but I still suffer from this complaint. I have been advised to replace my mercury fillings and was told that my symptoms may be related to food allergies. I have a feeling that my regular toothpaste may not be helping.

Answer:

Lichen planus affects either the skin or, as in your case the mouth, when it’s known as oral lichen planus. Sometimes people suffer from both, so you may develop lichen planus on the skin, even after this extended time. Many people suffer from the condition for years.

On the skin, lichen planus appears as small, raised, flat-topped lesions, which are pinkish-purple, shiny and may be covered with a network of fine white lines. They can be intensely itchy. In the mouth, the patches are white, often with a lacy pattern. Mostly, they are painless but sometimes they develop into persistent and very painful ulcers.

The skin consists of several layers of tissue, composed of cells. These cells multiply in the deeper layers, and the skin renews itself (our bodies are in a perpetual state of repair and renewal) by peeling off the outer layer, which is made up of dead cells. The structure of the skin is like an onion, with the outer layer (the stratum corneum, or horny layer) dead and the inner layers soft and juicy. In the mouth, the outer layer actually consist of live cells, but these, too, peel off very easily.

The plaques of lichen planus are formed by a process called keratinisation an overproduction of the cells called keratinocytes (‘keras’ meaning horn, and ‘cytes’ being cells) that form the stratum corneum. Often there is no obvious reason for lichen planus, although stress is a known factor (more frequently when it affects the skin), and it’s linked to an adverse reaction to some pharmaceutical drugs. As you suggest, oral lichen planus can also be triggered by amalgam mercury fillings in the teeth. It can also be pan of an autoimmune reaction where the body develops an ‘allergy’ to its own tissue, for no known reason.

Keratinisation can, in my experience, develop into a more serious and aggressive condition, where fragments of keratin and keratohyalin, a fibre-like protein, combine to form shards that emerge spontaneously from the skin all over the body. (However, I am not suggesting this will happen to you.)

Improving your general health is important, and you should try not to probe the affected areas with your tongue, as friction can make them worse. To boost your overall health, I suggest consulting my book The Integrated Health Bible. Which contains an MOT to enable you to assess your health.

Here are my other suggestions
* Take asafoetida (hing), a herbal resin used as a condiment in the East and available in Oriental or Asian grocery shops. It helps to regulate the immune system, improve enerty and assist the healing of chronic ailments. Add a pinch to a half-teaspoonful of manuka honey and a half-teaspoonful of kolonji oil, and take this daily for two months.
* If you decide to have your amalgam fillings removed, please consult a dentist with proven expertise in this field. I see no connection with toothpaste (although I understand that conventional toothpaste can trigger mouth ulcers in some people).
* Improve your digestion by avoiding yeast products, citrus fruits and sour.-tasting fruits and vegetables (such as rhubarb), as well as alcohol, coffee, excess sugar, fried or spicy foods, canned products and processed foods. Instead, eat organic foods and lots of non-citrus fruits and vegetables, such as apples, cherries, pomegranates, avocados, ginger, cooked garlic, celery broccoli, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, live yoghurt, almonds (soaked in room-temperature water for 24 hours). saffron and manuka honey. Food allergies or sensitivities will, in general, impair your health, so avoid foods that don’t suit you.
* As an alternative therapy, homoeopathy can be effective.
* Massage is very healing and will help eliminate fatigue, stress, aches and pains: ask a partner or family member to massage your neck shoulders and back once a week and have professional massage once or twice a month if you can. There are details of the technique on my Lifestyle DVD (Integrated Health Group,), which also gives basic instruction on exercise and relaxation through breathing and contemplation. You could walk and dance, too, both of which are relaxing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What kind of denture adhesive would you use for sensitive gums?
    My elderly parent’s dentures are loose and they slip both uppers and lowers. She had the uppers realigned but they still slip. She also has sensitive gums and some adhesives blister her gums. I was wondering if anyone knows of an adhesive for sesitive gums. She don’t want a strip just a bonding cream.

    • ANSWER:
      pollydent

  2. QUESTION:
    Why do I have sensitive gums two months after a root canal?
    I had a root canal done on one of my molars 2 months ago, and at the beginning the gums on the outer side of the mouth were very sensitive to pressure. Today I realized that they are still sensitive to pressure just above the molar, the tooth doesnt hurt at all, and I was wondering, if any of you out there actually knows why this is happening.
    The gums are a little inflamed, just a little bit.

    • ANSWER:
      They might be infected, I would call your dentist.

  3. QUESTION:
    what dos it mean when your gums are really sensitive to brushing?
    when someone brushes there teeth but there gums are incredibly over sensitive to mouth wash (Listerine) and brushing of any-kind what could this mean.could it be gum-desease if the person had just gone some-time with-out brushing?or is it almost shure that from just not brushing for some-time the person has begain to have very very sensitive gums?

    • ANSWER:
      Usually, if you brush too hard, your gums will become sore and hurt the next time you brush. Using mouthwash will really hurt as well. It’s like rubbing salt on a flesh wound.
      If you don’t brush daily and your gums still hurt, then you may have a form of gum disease. This is nothing a dentist can’t fix.
      The best thing to do is brush softer but longer, and be more careful when you floss. If pain is still occurring, then please see your dentist before the problem gets out of hand.

  4. QUESTION:
    How can I whiten teeth with sensitive gums?
    Hi Everybody,
    I have slightly yellow teeth and wanted to get them looking whiter. I tried crest whitening strips, but I have sensitive gums and had to eventually stop using the strips because of it. Do you guys know of any other methods (besides paying a lot at a dentist) that I can whiten my teeth with, even with my wussy gums :)

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Are your teeth sensitive around the gum-line? If so, you may have recessed gum, which means that your roots are exposed (there’s no protective enamel there) and hot and cold and acidic or base sensations are amplified to become painful. Otherwise, you may just have worn down the enamel on your teeth and exposed the dentine. These conditions are both caused by over-brushing or braces, usually. The other thing you have to watch out for is cracked or decayed teeth, since these will need to be filled before you can bleach your teeth safely. Similarly, leaky fillings make bleaching hazardous.

      If gum recession is your case, you not even be able to get a dentist to bleach your teeth because he may not be able to protect the affected areas during the process and won’t want to risk further damaging your teeth if he cares about his reputation. One benefit of in-office whitening is that, although the bleach dosage is stronger, the amount of time your teeth are exposed to bleach is much less. Another, is that dentists can add desensitizing agents to the bleaching-compound to help you avoid discomfort and damage to your gums and teeth.

      As far as “at-home” kits go, the least invasive to this condition would be those employing custom-fitted trays for application, which dentists actually offer now but can easily purchased over the counter, or online. In fact, lots of free-trials are available online. If you opt for this, use a low concentration dose of the bleaching gel the first time and, more importantly, make sure you’re not allergic to peroxide in the first place. The mouth-tray should form fit to your mouth and feel snug around your teeth, so to not allow the bleaching compound to burn your gums! This method requires that you wear the mouth-piece overnight and takes approx 7 nights before you reach full results. However, if you have sensitivity after one night or are worried about the effects of the bleaching-agent, then you should only use the mouth-piece every 2nd or 3rd day.

      I’m sure you’ll be able to put together a solution and get a white smile if you just baby those “wussy gums” enough in the process.

  5. QUESTION:
    Can someone tell me how to get rid of sensitive gums?
    I have really sensitive gums and every time something too cold or too hot touches them they hurt really bad. Can any one tell me a cheap way to fix this problem?

    • ANSWER:

  6. QUESTION:
    Sensitive gums???????????
    What to do?????????

    • ANSWER:
      Mohammad the best way is to brush your teeth n gums with powder salt, as the doctor said u have to scrape off a layer. don’t worry if it bleeds. It will be ok after a few hours.

  7. QUESTION:
    is there a home remedy for sensitive gums?
    my teeth were pulled years ago but my gums have become very sensitive in the last two weeks , is there something that can sooth the pain? toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.

    • ANSWER:
      you can use various medicated pastes available commercially or can use analgesic gel called oragel for relieving pain, lukewarm water and salt water rinsing can be helpful.

  8. QUESTION:
    What is the best solution for sensitive gums?
    My gums are bleeding every time I am trying to floss. It’s paiful and annoying. Please help!

    • ANSWER:
      brush more. Normally. Ignore any bleeding. I promise it’ll stop, for a more detailed description email me, but I promise this will help xx

  9. QUESTION:
    What is the best toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth?
    I’ve used Aqua Fresh sensitive but it only helps a little. What is the best and can the dentist do something about the sensitivity? All I keep hearing is you just have to keep using the sensative toothpaste and nothing else. Thanks!!

    • ANSWER:
      Desert Essence – Natural Tea Tree oil and Neem Toothpaste (wintergreen) you can get it at any Wild oats, or Whole Foods. If you don’t have these stores in your area, try a health food store or you can buy it on line. It must have tea tree oil and neem in it. Everyone that I have told about this loves it. My gums bled when I brushed and my teeth hurt after I brushed. I use to use aqua fresh too. After someone told me about this, I gave it a try. One week later my gums stop bleeding and no more pain after I brushed. I told someone what had a gum problem and it cleared it up. I have told several people about this toothpaste and everyone that had sensitive teeth or gum problems just love the way it works. IT IS A MUST TO TRY!!!! I also use the Dental Floss. Let me know that it worked for you too.

  10. QUESTION:
    Any tips or warning signs with very sensitive gums?
    Even brushing my teeth lately causes the gums near my front teeth to bleed. Is this a warning of gingivitis (sp?)? Any tips on getting this to stop?

    • ANSWER:
      Floss and mouthwash daily , along with brushing. If it doesn’t stop in a week or so, see a dentist

  11. QUESTION:
    How to care for bleeding/sensitive gums while pregnant.?
    I make sure to brush twice a day and keep my mouth very clean. Is there any special toothpaste or mouthwash that will help soothe soar gums?

    • ANSWER:
      It’s a common condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. There’s not much you can do, other than continue to brush and floss daily, as well as using an antimicrobial mouth wash, such as listerine or crest pro health.
      It’s also important to see your dentist for regular cleanings, especially during this time.
      You can try Orajel for your gums, it’s a gel that’ll numb them and help relieve the pain.

  12. QUESTION:
    Why are my gums sensitive and bleeding?
    For a little more than days whenever I brush my teeth the gums on the left side of my mouth seem really sensitive. After I start brushing they end up bleeding. It doesn’t bleed where the tooth meets the gum it bleeds about 1mm into the gum. Also when I rinse my mouth with water it stings. Is this bad? Can I get an idea of what this means?

    • ANSWER:

  13. QUESTION:
    What is the best mouthwash to use if you have receding gums or sensitive teeth from that problem?
    I have an issue with receding gums. I actually just noticed a little notch where my gum meets a tooth and it is very sensitive. I went to the dentist and he put something on it, but that was it. I want to do anything I can to keep my teeth healthy and not let this problem continue. What mouthwash/toothpaste, etc. is the best to slow the recession of my gums and protect my teeth?

    • ANSWER:
      To slow the recession: Make sure you are not clenching/grinding your teeth, use gentle circular brush strokes especially when brushing the areas of recession. Clenching/grinding place forces on your teeth that cause gum recession and/or abrasion. Check this website and look under the diagnostic session: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruxism
      What is happening is now the dentin layer is exposed to the air due to the gum tissue receding. These areas are almost always sensitive. You can use sensodyne toothpaste every time you brush, use over the counter fluoride rinse (ACT), or ask your dentist to call you in a prescription for fluoride gel (Prevident). The prescription fluoride gel is usually the most effective.

  14. QUESTION:
    What can I do about sensitive gums?
    besides moving to a warm climate, what can I do? I have gum recession (i think caused by having braces in the past). I take care of my teeth and gums, but they bother me all winter long. Sensodyne does nothing. What else can I do?

    • ANSWER:
      We can only guess at what might be the cause, my guess is gum disease. You can go and see a periodontist, they specialize in the health of your gums, they have the knowledge and tools to treat whatever the problem is with your gums.

  15. QUESTION:
    Were your gums noticeably sensitive to the touch at the beginning of your pregnancy?
    I’m 6 weeks pregnant (yay!) but, I noticed the my gums are SO sensitive! I read about them bleeding a lot because of the increased blood flow…I was just wondering if the pain in my gums and teeth are normal…?

    • ANSWER:
      I am 17 weeks and since the begining my gums have bled but they have never hurt. I’m not surethat that is related. Congats though!!!

  16. QUESTION:
    What can I do to stop my gums from being sensitive?
    My gums are not normally sensitive, but every so often they get that cold feeling which makes them hyper sensitive and really uncomfortable. They feel almost cold. Does anyone know how to stop them from feeling this way so that I can eat and drink normally again?

    • ANSWER:
      Good hygiene is the answer. Floss your teeth at least 1 time per day and brush your teeth 2 times a day.

      Lightly brush your gums. I also recommended using an electric/battery tooth brush -such as Oral B one.

  17. QUESTION:
    Do I have sensitive gums? Is it something serious? ?
    Just started using a new toothpaste called Crest Prohealth, and I’ve noticed that since I’ve started using it, my lower gums are feeling very strange. I have a few canker sores (I think they are canker sores) and my lower gums feel swollen. I’ve noticed that this toothpaste has stannous floride in it, and I don’t know if that could be triggering it. Any answers or guesses would be appreciated.

    • ANSWER:

  18. QUESTION:
    Sensitive gums after quitting smoking?
    I quit smoking a month ago and about a week after quitting my gums were EXTREMELY sensitive! I floss daily and now when I floss it is very painful and sometimes bloody. Why are they so sensitive now???
    I am not blaming quitting smoking by the way, I asked a simple question to find out why this might be happening, you can go ride your high horse somewhere else.

    • ANSWER:
      Smoking damages the gum tissue. Perhaps your gums are reacting to the lack of smoke and are trying to heal. I would contact your dentist but in the mean time continue to brush and floss.

      Congratulations on quiting!

  19. QUESTION:
    Why do my teeth and gums feel sensitive?
    I’ve gotten 3 wisdom teeth removed a week from today. My teeth and gums feel really sensitive and it bugs me all day long. It’s driving me nuts! Every time air hits them they drive me nuts. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced this? If so do you know any solutions??

    • ANSWER:
      Usually it takes a while for those extraction sockets to get completely filled out.

      Until then you might feel sensitivity due to the exposed root areas of the teeth adjacent to the extraction sockets.

      Those teeth can also feel mobile upon chewing for a while.

  20. QUESTION:
    Im pregnant and my teeth and gums are really sensitive right now is this normal?
    okay, i usually take really good care of my teeth, i brush and floss them, mouth wash to. but now my teeth and gums are sort of sensitive espeacailly my front teeth. They keep on bleeding a little bit (gums) and ive realized that im proudcing alot more saliva than usual. Is this normal in pregnancy?
    yet again im only 14, so keep the comments, well not to harsh.
    bt, im sorta ocd about my dental care ><

    • ANSWER:
      Sensitive teeth and gums are normal during pregnancy. Continue your normal routine (brushing, flossing, etc.) and you can continue to see your dentist. If you don’t consume enough calcium, the baby will take it from YOUR body (teeth and bones) so make sure you’re taking your prenatal vitamins! If your gums are bleeding excessively then you need to contact your provider/dentist. Having increased saliva is also common among some women during pregnancy. For some women, it is extremely bothersome. If it’s really bothering you, then you should talk to your OB/GYN provider. There’s not a whole lot that can be done about it, but any serious changes in your health or in the health of your unborn baby need to be noted in your chart. During pregnancy, some women are more prone to caries (cavities) so make sure that you brush well and often. Take care!

  21. QUESTION:
    I have very sensitive gums that are bleeding?
    I just got my braces off two days ago, and my gums are swollen, red, and bleeding..how long will this last?

    • ANSWER:

  22. QUESTION:
    Are sensitive teeth and sore gums and abdominal pain a pregnancy symptom?

    I went to the dentist a few months ago and had some fillings done. Everything was fine until recently my gums are swollen and slightly sore and my teeth are sensitive to pressure, hot and cold. and now im having abdominal pain I’ve had a child before but dont remember this.

    I am trying to conceive so pregnancy is entirely possible.

    • ANSWER:
      I have no idea about the gums, but with my three pregnancies I would get cramps kinda like period cramps but sometimes a little higher, whenever I didn’t drink enough water, remember 8 glasses a day. This would happen especially during the first trimester.

  23. QUESTION:
    Are sensitive teeth and sore gums a pregnancy symptom?
    I went to the dentist a few months ago and had some fillings done. Everything was fine until recently my gums are swollen and slightly sore and my teeth are sensitive to pressure, hot and cold. I’ve had other pregnancy symptoms as well such as nausea and increased sense of smell.

    I am trying to conceive so pregnancy is entirely possible.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, definitely. By the time I was 2 months pregnant, I could no longer wear my retainer because it was plastic and it applied pressure to my gums and it made them so sore and bleed. Just make sure you go to the dentist every 6 months and let them know you are pregnant so they take the proper precautions with x-rays. Good luck!

  24. QUESTION:
    gums are sore and tooth is sensitive?
    I have sore gums above 2 teeth, and when i kinda push a little on one of the teeth near the gums it is very sensitive. THe gums are a little red. Im 21, just went to the dentist about a month ago, and he didnt say a thing, i got a cavity drilled Tuesday, but it was on the other side of my mouth. Its hurt about 2 full days. should i be worried at all, cause i am?

    • ANSWER:
      Try brushing and flossing well and rinsing with really warm salt water. If you have been eating things that are crunchy you may have just irritated your gums.

  25. QUESTION:
    Why have my gums suddenly become heat and cold sensitive?
    They started getting really sensitive when I eat or drink something hot or cold about a week ago I guess. They’re especially sensitive at the back, near where my wisdom teeth are coming in. I thought maybe it was because my wisdom teeth are coming in, but they’ve been that way for a few months now….I don’t know why my gums would start getting sensitive all of a sudden :(

    • ANSWER:
      well no-one else is answering so i’ll chuck in my two cents. i’m no pro but you may have a gum infection. if they go either paler or darker then you may have a problem. I had a similar thing when my tooth died and the root was infected. i really don’t know but if you can get to a dentist that would be best but if not, just go to the library, do some research and hold on to your teeth.

  26. QUESTION:
    Should I go ahead and whiten my teeth or wait until my gums aren’t as sensitive?
    I just got my braces off yesterday and I want to whiten my teeth, a lot of people say to wait a while because your gums are so sensitive but i wanna go ahead and do it.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi! I had used www.ivory-white-teeth.apooz.com and www.teeth-whiten.apooz.com and i got very good results out of it. It gave me results very quickly and it is highly recommended. Try it and see the results yourself. Best part is that both of these are currently providing ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL to use. So get it now and put it to use. You will see the results within first week of using it. Good luck!

  27. QUESTION:
    gums have been bleeding when i brush teeth,and my gums have been getting a little sensitive. what could i do?
    i have been brushing my teeth and my gums bleed and my gums are sensitive and they tear…

    i want to know what could i do? or if its gum disease? is it serious?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello…yes indeed gum disease can be very serious,,on the other hand you may have nothing more than a poor diet or vitamin nutrition issue…You do of course need to see a dentist to verify which it is..If it’s a vitamin deficiency you can take care of that by taking a daily vitamin that has vitamins A

  28. QUESTION:
    Is there anything I can do about sensitive and bleeding gums?
    When I brush my teeth, my gums will bleed a little. If I slightly hit them on something, they bleed. If someone kisses me too rough, they bleed. :( Is there any over the counter meds that can help this?

    • ANSWER:
      Bleeding gums are healthy. Continue to brush your teeth and make sure you floss everyday. Flossing will def cause the gums to bleed but after a few weeks they will become cleaner and bleed less and I think this will help your problems with your gums overall.

  29. QUESTION:
    i have extremely sensitive painful gums and the dentist prescribed toothpaste but its not helping any ideas?
    besides painkillers
    is there any other way to minimize the pain and heal my inflamed gums?
    the dentist told me they would heal on their own.
    the pain is making it so i cant even chew!

    • ANSWER:
      FYI,
      it takes at least 2 weeks of continuous use for the sensitivity toothpaste to decrease the pain.

  30. QUESTION:
    I have sensitive gums, what whitening product is best?
    I tried the crest over night gel, and it gave me canker sores. I easily get mouth sores, so what will work best?

    • ANSWER:
      I have tried it all. If you want fast whitening I’d use Crest White Strips Sensetive, or a good toothpaste is Colgate Simply White.

  31. QUESTION:
    whats good for sensitive gums?
    my gums tend to bleed when i brush. any suggestions? thanks for your help.

    • ANSWER:
      Sensodyne

  32. QUESTION:
    Can ANBESOL help relieve sensitive gums and teeth?
    my TEETH/gums are SUPER sensitive right now because i did a crest whitestrips SUPREME application! it does whiten your teeth but not without pain! what should i do??? does anyone know what else i can put on my gum/teeth to relieve the sensitivity??? thanks!
    i NEED immediate relief!~it HURTS so BAD!

    • ANSWER:
      Sensodine toothpaste and use it from now on. It will take about 2 weeks for the sensitivity to lessen but it will work.

  33. QUESTION:
    the gums around my lower left premolars hurt and are sensitive?
    i’m 16 years-old, i have never had a cavity (i just went to the dentist not too long ago too), and the gums around my lower left premolars are very sensitive and bled when i brushed my teeth earlier. it hurts a bit when i chew on that side as well. is this an issue i should address with my dentist? or should i wait a bit to see if it blows over?

    • ANSWER:

  34. QUESTION:
    why are my gums swollen and sensitive?
    i got my braces off last week exactly. i got my teeth cleaned at the dentist after i got my braces off on the same day. i just started flossing and using Listerine white strips. when i brush my teeth it hurts because my gums are so sensitive. why is this happening?

    • ANSWER:
      yea its because your gums are used to the metal…it will get better overtime just relax and dont brush as hard..keep them clean brush after every meal..your teeth will adapt and soon it wont be a problem..if i was you i would relax on flossing until the gums get stronger

  35. QUESTION:
    In a healthy person, are sensitive gums caused by aging?
    Mine used to be sensitive just to cold, but now it’s heat as well, and the feeling of the toothbrush.

    (I don’t smoke and I floss and brush regularly.)
    Update: I use Sensodyne and it helps but doesn’t kill the pain entirely.

    • ANSWER:
      your gums shrink back a little as you get older usually causing sensitive teeth and gums,sensodyne toothpaste is brilliant and will stop sensitivity.

  36. QUESTION:
    Can gums with artificial sweetners cause you to have sensitive teeth?
    My teeth are feeling very sensitive lately and the only thing I have been doing regularly is chewing 5 gum. I get my teeth cleaned every 6 mo. and I just went and have no cavities. My teeth are cold and heat sensitive right now.

    • ANSWER:
      YES! If the sweetener is Splenda or Equal because they have small amounts of maltodextrins, which are sugars. Also, some sweeteners that are polyalcohols aren’t metabolized by the body yet the bacteria still eat them.

      Check the ingredients very well!!!! Nowadays chewing gums don’t contain regular sugar but have an awful lot of other stuff.

  37. QUESTION:
    How do you give someone a hickey if you have sensitive gums?

    • ANSWER:
      Jackass.

  38. QUESTION:
    does anyone know any toothpastes for sensitive gums?
    ill pick a best answer.

    • ANSWER:

  39. QUESTION:
    Can I use crest whitestrips classic more than twice a day if my teeth and gums are not sensitive to it?
    Then I could use the whole box in one day!

    • ANSWER:
      No. When you apply these you also swallow some of the chemicals, that is not good to overdose on. Try the 3-4 day ones if you want faster results. It is also possible it could damage your teeth or gums if you do this and it would probably burn your throat.

  40. QUESTION:
    super sensitive gums?
    for the last couple of weeks my gums (particularly upper right side) have been super sensitive to cold and hot foods. anything soft is fine but when it’s cold or hot, it hurts. i just went to the dentist not long ago, she did not find anything out of the ordinary.

    do you have any home remedies or ideas for toothpaste that will help this? thanks ! ps, i am only 19.
    whoa, slow down there. my dentist is fantastic, and i did not have this sensitivity a few weeks ago when i went for my check up. before jumping to conclusions and telling me what to do, be a little kinder. thanks.

    • ANSWER:

      http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=738

  41. QUESTION:
    Are bleeding gums or sensitive gums a sign of any specific body deficiency?

    • ANSWER:
      A very good artice is titled: 3 Simple Steps to Fighting Gum Disease Naturally.

      You can read it directly at:

      http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-fight-gum-disease.htm

  42. QUESTION:
    I just got my braces off and my gums feel really sensitive?
    I took really good care of my teeth. I think i brushed a little hard though… I think my gums receded like a half a millimeter. They’re really puffy, and to me my teeth look HUGE…. They took the glue off but my teeth feel rougher than before.

    HELP? is this normal?

    • ANSWER:
      yeah its normal. your gums should be puffy for about 2 days, then it will go away. it feels like you have a full mouth right?
      your teeth shouldnt be rough at all though. i guess they didnt clean them good enough. but an appointment with our dentist for a cleaning. your teeth should feel super smooth!

  43. QUESTION:
    Best toothbrush for sensitive gums?
    My dentist told me that the bottom front gums are receding a bit. She said I can fix this by using a softer brush and brushing properly ( I’m one of those people that brush hard and side to side instead of up and down). She didn’t really give me a recommendation of a good toothbrush to use to help properly fix the problem without hurting myself more. Can anyone recommend a good toothbrush and good mouthwash to help? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Sensodyne toothpaste…and just go through the brushes and look for a soft one.

  44. QUESTION:
    Does braces hurt when you have sensitive gums that bleed when flossing??
    I will be getting braces and im nervous because my teeth bleed when i floss

    • ANSWER:
      i never used to floss but i just kept doing it and my gums dont bleed anymore… i had braces when my teeth did bleed after flossing and plus i have sensitive teeth but braces didnt hurt for me really at all..
      just felt pressure after changing rubberbands and wires.
      dont worry i think you’ll be fine but everyone is different

      good luck :)

  45. QUESTION:
    Whitening teeth with sensitive gums?
    I have gum recession — what is the best over-the-counter way of whiteneing my teeth that will not hurt my gums?

    • ANSWER:
      Whitening strips. I have the same thing and these work.

  46. QUESTION:
    Bad breath, bleeding gums, and sensitive gums?
    What are these symptoms caused from? Is it gum disease or gingivitis? My sister has these symptoms and wants to know whats going on.

    • ANSWER:
      HELLO,
      As a DENTAL PROFESSIONAL I can positively state that all of your sister’s problems are an sign of established gum disease or periodontitis.
      This disease was originally caused by inadequate oral hygiene which caused all of those symptoms.
      The good news is that this disease can be effectively treated by a dentist and prevented from taking hold in the future by proper oral hygiene.

  47. QUESTION:
    i have SENSITIVE GUMS that bleed when i brush them(with a extra soft sensitive advantage oralb brush)?
    i use a foaming toothpase for sensitive gums

    IF I JUST KEEP BRUSHING THEM WILL MY GUMS EVENTUALLY BECOME USED TO IT AND STOP BLEEDING?
    they are so sensitive
    what do i do?

    • ANSWER:
      Prob gum disease. My husband has that too. Bleeding, puffy gums. They gave him deep cleaning, a prescribed rinse. See ur dentist, can lead to bone loss. Need to floss and gently brush to to the gumline. Good luck!

  48. QUESTION:
    I need a toothbrush for sensitive gums. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      You should try the Colgate 360 degree sensitive toothbrush with an Extra Soft head. I have used this myself and I was really pleased with it. I also recommend it to patients with sensitive gums. Even if you don’t go with the Colgate brand, make sure to use an Extra Soft bristle head. Never use a toothbrush with a medium or harder bristle, and be sure to brush in a circular motion with the toothbrush head, not a back and forth motion because that can cause your gums to recede, resulting in more sensitivity.

  49. QUESTION:
    should i use mouthwash if gums sensitive from bleaching from using Crest whitening supreme strips?

    • ANSWER:
      If it is your gums that are sensitive you are probably putting the strips to high on your teeth and it is touching your gums. The supreme strips are the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide so be careful about doing that because it is making a chemical burn on it. If your teeth are sensitive then try sensodyne toothpaste or another toothpaste with fluoride because that helps sensitive teeth.

  50. QUESTION:
    peeling/sensitive gums?
    my gums are peeling and really sensitive and when i brush my teeth they bleed. i switched my toothpaste to some colgate whitening kind but im not sure if that could be a cause of it? if not what else could be the problem? thanks in advance for any advice :)

    • ANSWER:
      Believe it or not some are allergic to the additives in toothpastes. I would try original strength crest (no whitening or tartar control) or sensodyne. That may help with some of the sensitivity. Keep brushing (with a soft bristled brush) and flossing like your normally do, add in a few salt water rinses throughout the day as well (not going to hurt anything). It also might be time for a good cleaning and check up by your dentist. Try those until you can get in to see your dentist. Happy holidays!


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