If your gums hurt while you exercise, you may have a cavity or you may be experiencing some level of gum disease. Regular dental visits, proper dental hygiene and a healthy diet can prevent most causes of gum pain. Make an appointment with your dentist to properly diagnose the cause of your sore gums.
Cause
Gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque building up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky material consisting of bacteria, mucus and food that can harden into tartar if it remains on your teeth for a long-period of time. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria and toxins begin irritating and inflaming the gums. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease, which is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar causing the teeth to pull away from the gums. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which occurs when plaque removes the outer layers of your teeth allowing bacteria and acids to reach nerves and blood vessels.
Identification
Gingivitis may cause tenderness in the gums while exercising because of possible mouth sores and swelling of the gums. You may also experience bleeding and redness of the gums while brushing your teeth or flossing. In advanced cases of periodontitis, the farther the gums are pulled from the teeth, the more destructive the result will be to the bone and ligaments. The teeth may become loose and need to be removed. A cavity may have a visible hole that causes a toothache and sensitivity to the teeth that may be felt in the gum line. If you do exercises in which your feet forcefully hit the ground, your bottom and top teeth may click and cause a shooting pain in your teeth and gums.
Treatment
Early gum disease can be reversed by taking certain measures. Dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned twice per year; however, in severe cases of gum disease, you may need professional cleanings more frequently. You may also need crooked teeth straightened. If you have dental or orthodontic appliances, such as braces or a mouth guard, replacements may be necessary if they're not fitting properly or being cleaned appropriately. A filling is used for most cavities; however, crowns, root canals, or tooth extractions may be necessary in more severe cases of tooth decay.
Prevention
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that's in good condition and brush your teeth with an ADA approved toothpaste at least twice per day. Floss gently at least once per day. If you're prone to gingivitis, brush after every meal and before bedtime. If you wear a mouth guard while exercising, clean it regularly. To prevent cavities, follow the same previously mentioned steps and also rinse with fluoride, avoid sticky foods and talk to your dentist about a protective plastic sealant that covers your back teeth. Drink tap water instead of bottled water since bottled water does not have fluoride. Fluoride can reverse early signs of decay.
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