Transgender Awareness Week

1. Overly-aggressive brushing

Aggressive brushing irritates your gums. Use short, precise strokes to clean each tooth's entire surface and switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, as they're best at effectively cleaning teeth without aggravating delicate gum tissue.

2. Improper flossing technique

Overzealous flossing is also a no-no. Avoid using high pressure or vigorous back-and-forth movements to dislodge food and plaque, as this can lead to further gum irritation or even bleeding gums (as well as being uncomfortable).

Prevent irritating gums while flossing with a gentle approach.

Slowly move the floss back and forth, up and down, and gently against the sides of your teeth.

With this level of pressure, flossing around the base of your teeth ensures that you reach food beneath your gum line – too much force can make this easy to overlook.

Avoid pushing the floss into this area abruptly or snapping it into place, as doing so can cut or bruise your gums.

Not a fan of traditional flossing or just can’t get into the habit? Try using a water flosser, an interdental cleaning device that emits a steady stream of water to gently clean hard-to-reach places between your teeth.

3. Dietary choices

The foods you eat can also contribute to gum irritation. Hard sweets or crunchy items like crisps can scrape against gums and cause irritation as you chew. Can't give up the crunch? Reach for healthy alternatives like celery or carrots. According to an article on the role of diet in preventing dental issues, crunchy natural foods act like teeth cleaners by stimulating the flow of saliva, which then gets rid of bacteria.

4. Use a toothpaste or mouthwash that’s designed to promote gum health and protect against cavities, such as Colgate Total Active Prevention Gum Care + Sensitivity or Colgate Sensitive Repair & Prevent Multi Protection.  

Colgate Total Active Prevention Gum Care + Sensitivity toothpaste has a uniquely³ designed formula that helps to protect against problems like gum redness, inflammation, bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity. 

Colgate Sensitive Repair & Prevent Multi Protection toothpaste goes even further by helping to strengthen gums.

Colgate is the No.1 reccomended by dentists in the UK*

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*Colgate Brand, Toothpaste, UK, Dentist Survey 2025. To verify contact ukverification@colpal.com.}

If your gum irritation feels or looks serious, make an appointment with a dental professional, as it could be symptomatic of a different oral health condition. But if hormonal changes may be the culprit, home remedies can ease gum irritation. 

Irritated gums are no fun, but making small changes to daily habits can make a difference help you get back to a pain-free, confident smile.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.