Brushing with sore, painful gums makes many people rush or skip the sore spot. But stopping brushing makes the inflammation worse.
- Sore gums when brushing are usually caused by gum inflammation from plaque, brushing too hard or a stiff, worn brush.
- Do not stop brushing the sore area, since more plaque makes the gums more inflamed.
- A soft brush angled at about 45 degrees and brushed gently in small circles helps ease the pain.
- Pain lasting over two weeks, a big swelling, spontaneous bleeding or a pimple like bump means you should be checked.
Many people feel sore gums every time they brush, sometimes with bleeding, so they brush in a hurry or avoid the sore area. This is understandable, but poor cleaning lets more plaque build up and the gums hurt even more.
Why do gums hurt when brushing?
- Gum inflammation from plaque: the gums are red, swollen, tender and hurt when the brush touches them, see what gingivitis is and whether it clears by itself.
- Brushing too hard or scrubbing sideways: scratches the gum and causes recession.
- A stiff or worn brush: damages the gums, see how often to replace a toothbrush.
- Tartar under the gumline, or an object caught between the teeth.
- An ulcer or small bump on the gum.
How should you brush to ease the pain?
- Use a soft toothbrush with a small head, see soft or hard bristles.
- Angle the brush at about 45 degrees to the gumline and brush gently in small circles, not sideways.
- Still brush the sore area, just more gently, and do not skip it.
- Rinse with warm saline after meals to calm the gums.
- Clean between the teeth gently with floss every day.
After one to two weeks of correct brushing, gums inflamed by plaque usually calm down noticeably. See also how to brush correctly every day.
When should you see a dentist?
Have it checked if gum soreness lasts more than two weeks despite gentle, correct brushing, the gum is very swollen, bleeds on its own, has a pimple like bump with pus, or a tooth is loose. See what bleeding gums mean.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will examine your gums, remove tartar if needed and advise a brushing method that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop brushing when my gums hurt?
No. Stopping lets plaque build up and the gums become more inflamed. Brush gently with a soft brush and keep cleaning the sore area.
How long until sore gums from brushing heal?
If caused by plaque and you brush correctly, they usually settle within one to two weeks. If it lasts longer, have a check.
Can a stiff toothbrush make gums sore?
Yes. A stiff brush or hard scrubbing easily scratches gums and causes recession, so choose a soft brush and brush gently.