Dental Nation
Question and answer

Dentek sensitive gums

Sensitive gums are a symptom that may reflect inflammation, brushing trauma, recession, an ulcer, or a tooth problem.

The short answer

Sensitive gums are a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and a branded product cannot identify whether the cause is plaque inflammation, trauma, recession, ulceration, or a tooth problem.

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What is the direct answer?

What does this question mean?

Gum sensitivity may occur when inflamed gingiva is brushed, when a toothbrush is too forceful, or when recession exposes root surface. Pain that seems to come from the gum can also originate in the tooth or a periodontal abscess.

What can you do next?

Use a soft toothbrush with light pressure, clean plaque gently at the gum line, and avoid picking at the area. Check the product label and stop a product that causes burning, peeling, or worsening irritation.

When should you seek dental care?

Seek care for bleeding that persists, swelling, pus, an ulcer that does not heal, recession, severe pain, or sensitivity focused on one tooth.

What should you ask the dentist?

A dentist checks the gum color, contour, bleeding, recession, ulcers, tooth surfaces, fillings, and bite. They may remove calculus, treat decay, recommend a desensitizing product, or address an appliance or brushing injury.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put a gum-care product on an open sore? Do not assume a product is appropriate for an ulcer or wound; have persistent or painful lesions examined before applying treatments.

A dentist checks the gum color, contour, bleeding, recession, ulcers, tooth surfaces, fillings, and bite. They may remove calculus, treat decay, recommend a desensitizing product, or address an appliance or brushing injury.

Can brushing harder solve sensitivity?

Harder brushing can injure the gum margin and expose root surface, so gentle technique and diagnosis are more useful than extra force.