When it comes to oral care, the focus is always on taking care of teeth and the Gums are often neglected. It’s important to pay attention to your gums too. The reason behind tooth sensitivity could be host of gum related or periodontal diseases.
Gums play a major role not only in your dental health, but in your overall well-being. Any changes in the gums like swelling or bleeding is often mistaken to be due to teeth. 
Be sure to seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms, even if you don’t have any discomfort:
- changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures
- formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- loose or shifting teeth
- persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- receding gums
- red, swollen, or tender gums
When gum disease advances, it develops into Periodontitis. It’s a condition in which the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place can be severely weakened. The harmful bacteria attacking on the teeth harms your gums causing infection. Therefore, gum health is extremely important, and should be made a top priority. This tissue guards your teeth and keep them healthy, and while periodontal disease may be the reason in many cases, sensitive gums can be a symptom of other oral irritants, too.
Causes of Gum Sensitivity
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing too hard, using a stiff brush that has very hard bristles or using a highly abrasive toothpaste tends to damage the soft tissues of your gums. You must understand that cleaning the teeth is about the technique and not pressure. Massage your gums in back and forth motions rather than brush harshly to remove bacteria that may have already calcified into tartar (which needs dental assistance). And, if you do notice your toothpaste irritates your gums, consider one made specifically for sensitive mouths.
Gum Recession
Gum recession happens when the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing the tooth or the tooth’s root more . When gum recession occurs, “pockets,” or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line. This makes it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up in these gaps. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.
Plaque Accumulation
When the food gets stuck in teeth and mixes with saliva in your mouth, a sticky substance called Plaque is formed. If you don’t brush properly after meals, it begins to form and build up on your teeth. The plaque contains harmful bacteria, which can contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
Preventing Gum Sensitivity
- Brush twice daily. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles that have blunted ends. Brushes with medium or hard bristles, may damage the enamel on your teeth or cause red and swollen gums.
- During brushing, make sure you use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean the teeth and gums. While many people use a back-and-forth motion, this motion can irritate and damage your gums, making them sore and more likely to bleed or recede.
- Floss daily but be gentle when you floss, following the curve of each tooth.
- Rinse daily with a mouthwash that is recommended by your dentist. It kills bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after eating. It can help wash food off your teeth and make it less likely that bacteria will form gum-damaging plaque.
- Quit Smoking or using tobacco.
Just remember: Healthy Gums – The Foundation For Healthy Smiles