What’s the Difference Between Sensitive Teeth and Sensitive Gums?
Sometimes when pain comes on suddenly, it can be hard to find the
source and treat it. This is made especially hard when the pain involves your
teeth or your gums. To find the source of and treat mouth pain, you should know
how to tell the difference between sensitive teeth and sensitive gums. So, here
are a few easy ways to do just that without a hitch.
Sensitive
Gums
Sensitive gums are exactly that -- pain or discomfort in the gums around
your teeth. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and bad
breath. According to the American Dental Association, gum sensitivity can also cause
the initial stage of gum disease, which is gingivitis. As gingivitis progresses,
it can advance into gum disease and eventually into receded gums. This all can
be prevented with proper hygiene.
Poor oral health can cause plaque buildup – the main culprit behind gum
sensitivity. Once plaque builds up along the gum line, that’s when people start
to experience discomfort. Diabetes, pregnancy, crooked teeth, and tobacco use can
all lead to sensitive gums.
Sensitive
Teeth
Sensitive teeth have typical symptoms, such as individuals finding it
hard to eat or drink. When brushing or flossing, the pain may become worse over
a few or all your teeth. This can derive from having too many sweet or acidic
foods in your diet -- overtime, tooth enamel starts to wear down. Once the
enamel becomes thinner, that’s when you start to feel discomfort. To make
brushing and flossing a more comfortable experience, you can buy toothpaste for
sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth can be a sign of gum disease, but it’s often caused by
other various conditions. For example, cavities, fractures, exposed dentin, and
loose fillings can all lead to tooth sensitivity. Grinding your teeth or
brushing too hard can also make sensitive teeth worse.
Treatment
for Sensitive Teeth and Sensitive Gums
Both sensitive teeth and gums can emerge from poor oral health and lead to more severe health issues. Fortunately, sensitive gums and teeth can be treated as well as prevented with a few adjustments in your oral health care routine. Once you figure out the cause of the pain and discomfort, treatment becomes a lot easier.
You can invest in products made for sensitive teeth and
gums, and you can use fluoride gel and desensitizing toothpaste to strengthen
your teeth. Using these products can make it easier to continue flossing without
pain and maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you’re still unsure about the
reason behind your discomfort, you can always consult your oral health
professional to help reduce sensitivity and strengthen your teeth and gums.
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Photo via Tharakorn / Shutterstock
