Soreness or pain in the gums can distract from or interrupt a workout, especially if the pain becomes intense. While most cases of sore gums result from personal behaviors, anyone with persistent or worsening sore gums should seek care from a dentist. Fortunately, most cases of sore gums during exercise are preventable with lifestyle changes and treatable with dental care.
Features
Healthy gums are pale pink in color and firm in texture; any deviation in color or texture, or symptoms of soreness or pain, might indicate gum disease such as gingivitis. The gums might recede away from the teeth and feel soft like the inside of the cheek. In addition to soreness of the gums, people might experience symptoms including bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing, tooth pain or sensitivity, bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.
Causes
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor hygiene of the mouth. In addition, a poorly fitted mouth guard worn during exercise could cause soreness in the gums and palate. In addition, the American Dental Association website says any trauma to the mouth or face, causing a tooth to become crooked or damaged, could cause the gums to feel sore during exercise. Dehydration and dry mouth during exercise can increase the risk of developing gingivitis, which can cause the gums to feel sore. Other causes of sore gums during exercise include viral or bacterial infections, mouth breathing, and clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.
Treatments
Sore gums caused by dehydration or dry mouth are treated by increasing fluids such as water and sports drinks. Dentists treat sore gums caused by gingivitis by manually cleaning the teeth to remove plaque and tartar and repairing or refitting any dental restorations or mouth guards causing irritation to the gums. Some dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush for more effective removal of dental plaque at home, followed by an antiseptic mouth rinse to kill bacteria in the mouth. If the sore gums result from crooked teeth, a dentist might need to remove them to relieve the soreness, explains the American Dental Association website.
Prevention
The American Dental Association website recommends regular dental cleanings and checkups with a dentist to prevent diseases of the teeth and gums. In addition, the website suggests using a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the teeth twice daily, as well as a fluoride rinse to help protect the teeth and gums from disease. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods and beverages that promote bacterial growth, such as sugary treats and drinks, can also help prevent sore gums. Consider using a custom-fit mouth guard during exercise and contact sports to help protect the gums and teeth from injuries that can cause soreness.
