What causes gum pain?
Gum pain can be caused by a number of factors, including ill-fitting dentures.
If you are suffering from gum pain, you are not alone. In fact, gum pain is a common issue and affects people of all ages. Along with pain, you may have noticed some swelling and/or bleeding, both of which can be very unpleasant to deal with. In many cases, ill-fitting dentures can be the cause of the problem, but there are a number of other factors that could be causing your discomfort. Read on to learn about the most common causes of sore gums, and what you can do about the problem…
1. Brushing too hard
We all know how important it is to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. If you have dentures, this means regularly cleaning your appliances and brushing your gums and tongue every day. It is important, however, that you brush your gums gently — being too rough can actually cause damage to the soft tissues and lead to discomfort and bleeding. It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health concerns and is often characterised by swollen, tender and bleeding gums. Usually caused by poor oral hygiene, the early stages of the condition can often be reversed with improved habits. If you or your dentist suspects that your gum pain is caused by gingivitis, be sure to commit to a healthy routine by brushing and flossing twice daily. It is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups so that the issue can be addressed before it advances to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease that can lead to tooth and bone loss.
3. Certain hormonal changes
There are a number of hormonal changes that can affect the condition of the gums throughout the course of one’s life, most of which affect women. These include puberty, which increases blood flow to the gums and can cause sensitivity; menstruation, which can cause swelling and bleeding; pregnancy, which often causes tender and bleeding gums; and menopause, which can lead to dry gums, as well as pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth discussing them with your dentist. They will let you know what can be done to provide you with some relief.
4. Ill-fitting dentures
Dentures are an effective solution for tooth loss, and should feel comfortable in the mouth. If, however, they don’t fit properly, they can cause irritation of the gums and other soft tissues, as well as tissue damage, gum disease and pain. If you have noticed any discomfort or gum pain and suspect that your dentures no longer fit as they should, it is very important that you see your dentist. They will let you know if it’s time for a reline, adjustment, repair or replacement.
How can we help?
At Impressions Denture Studio, we offer a range of dentures and denture-related services. If you are struggling with gum pain, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can check that your dentures are properly fitted. We will also check for any underlying oral health issues that could be contributing to your discomfort.
We encourage all of our patients to come in and have their dentures checked at least once a year. This will allow us to monitor the fit and wear of your dentures to ensure that they remain both comfortable and functional.
We also recommend that our patients come in for a reline every four years or so. During this process, new base material is added to the tissue side of the denture.
To find out more about the services that we offer at Impressions Denture Studio, please have a look here. If you would like to book an appointment, give us a call on 1300 85 20 30 or please get in touch here.