Gums hurt when brushing: Causes and prevention

Why do my gums hurt when I brush my teeth?

If your gums hurt when brushing your teeth or after brushing, the first step is to identify the cause. There could be a number of issues at play here, and not all of them are serious.

The most common causes of gum pain after brushing include:

• Brushing too hard: Using too much pressure when you brush causes a whole host of gum-related issues, including gum recession and pain.¹ It can also lead to sore teeth after brushing and increased sensitivity, neither of which are good news for your dental health.
• Using the wrong toothbrush: Hard-bristled brushes are known to cause more gingival lesions (like bumps and sores) than soft and medium brushes, leading to discomfort.²
• Gum disease: Sore gums are a common sign of gum disease, often accompanied by bleeding and swelling.³ You’ll likely notice pain when eating hard foods, too, and soreness that lingers long after brushing.
• Tartar build-up: When tartar (also known as calculus) builds up around the teeth, it leads to gum inflammation.⁴ This can feel very sore, especially when brushing, and creates visible stains along the gum line.

If you’re worried that your teeth and gums hurt after brushing due to an issue like gum disease or tartar build-up, book an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to identify the cause of your sore gums and start a treatment plan.

Gums sore after brushing teeth: Could it be technique?

While it’s easy to think the worst when your gums are stinging after brushing, it’s not always a dental emergency. Gum disease and other dental issues are possibilities, but so too is your brushing technique.

Excessive scrubbing, too much pressure, and brushing for too long (or too frequently) can all irritate gum tissue and lead to pain. Try switching up your routine and following these tips to stop gum pain after brushing:

• Put a timer on to ensure you’re only brushing for two minutes - no more, no less.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning before food and once in the evening.
• Use gentle, circular movements rather than scrubbing back and forth.
• Avoid pressing too hard, particularly around the gumline.
• Angle your toothbrush towards the gumline to remove plaque without irritating the gums.
• Divide your mouth into sections and work through them to avoid overbrushing a single area.

Read our full guide on gentle brushing techniques to learn more.

Choosing a toothbrush for sensitive gums

If your gums are sore after brushing your teeth, it could be time to switch up your toothbrush. The right brush can help you steer clear of overbrushing and poor dental habits, while guiding your technique for a thorough, gentle clean.

For better brushing, explore the Philips Next-Generation DiamondClean range of toothbrushes. Each model comes with smart pressure feedback, which guides your brushing pressure in real-time. Connect your toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare app to view post-brushing feedback, too, so that you can spot where you might be brushing too hard.

Choose the Philips Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige to tap into our advanced SenseIQ technology. It automatically adjusts the pressure and motion of your brush head based on your unique brushing style, helping prevent issues like overbrushing for clean teeth and healthy gums.

Gums hurt when brushing: When to be concerned

If, after brushing, your teeth and gums hurt, start by switching your toothbrush and adopting a gentler technique. If the symptoms persist, seek help from your dentist. You should also book a dental appointment if you have redness, swelling, or bleeding that isn’t isolated to tooth brushing, but continues throughout the day.

Gums hurt when brushing teeth FAQs

Is gum swelling after brushing normal?

Your gums shouldn’t regularly swell after brushing your teeth. If yours are, it could be a sign that you’re brushing too hard or have an underlying dental issue that’s causing inflammation, like tartar build-up. Try brushing gently with a Philips Next-Generation DiamondClean toothbrush, and if the swelling persists or you notice bleeding, book a dental appointment to get it checked.

Why are my gums stinging after brushing?

If your gums sting after brushing, your toothpaste could be the culprit, particularly if it contains ingredients that irritate sensitive gums. Try switching to a toothpaste made for sensitive gums to see if it helps. If not, it could be that you’re brushing too hard, have mouth ulcers, or have an underlying dental problem that warrants a trip to your dentist.

When dealing with gum pain after brushing, keep an eye on your symptoms. Try switching to the Philips Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige toothbrush and adopting a gentler brushing technique, and see if the issue improves. Still struggling? It’s time to book an appointment with your dentist.

Sources 

¹The Impact of Toothbrushing on Oral Health, Gingival Recession, and Tooth Wear—A Narrative Review, NIH 

²Are Bristle Stiffness and Bristle End-Shape Related to Adverse Effects on Soft Tissues During Toothbrushing? A Systematic Review, NIH 

³Gum Disease, NHS 

⁴Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis and Prevention Strategies of Dental Calculus, NIH