Healthy gums typically appear pink and feel firm, fitting snugly around the teeth. When gums lose this firmness and elasticity, becoming swollen or tender to the touch, it often signals an underlying issue. This change can also be accompanied by easy bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Understanding Gum Inflammation
One of the most common reasons for gums feeling soft and spongy is inflammation, primarily due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film composed mainly of bacteria that forms on teeth after consuming starches and sugars. If plaque is not removed daily through proper oral hygiene, it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus, which collects bacteria and clings tightly to the teeth and below the gumline.
The bacteria within plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue, leading to an inflammatory response. This initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva, the gum around the base of your teeth. As gingivitis progresses, the gums become swollen, tender, and may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. While gingivitis does not cause bone loss, if left untreated, it can advance to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.
In periodontitis, the ongoing inflammation and bacterial infection cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where more plaque and bacteria accumulate. These pockets deepen over time, weakening the supporting bone and tissues that hold the teeth in place. This destruction of the underlying structures can lead to teeth loosening and even falling out.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond plaque-induced inflammation, several other factors can contribute to gums feeling soft or spongy. Hormonal fluctuations can affect gum sensitivity and their susceptibility to swelling. For instance, changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menstruation can make gums more tender and prone to inflammation.
Certain medications can also impact gum health. Some drugs, such as specific anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers, may cause gum overgrowth or tenderness, leading to a soft sensation.
Nutritional deficiencies can weaken gum tissue, making it more susceptible to problems. A severe lack of vitamin C, leading to a condition known as scurvy, can result in swollen, bleeding, and spongy gums. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which supports healthy gum tissue.
Systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, also impact gum health. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease because high blood sugar levels can alter saliva composition and impair the body’s healing processes, making it harder to manage gum infections and contributing to soft gums.
Physical trauma to the gums can also cause them to feel soft. Aggressive brushing techniques, using a toothbrush with hard bristles, or the irritation from ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures can damage gum tissue. Sharp food particles can cause localized irritation and tenderness, leading to a soft feeling in the affected area.
When to Seek Professional Care and What You Can Do
If your gums feel soft and spongy, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding, pain, persistent bad breath, visible swelling, or receding gums, consult a dentist. A dental professional can diagnose the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Early detection and intervention are important for managing gum issues and preventing problems.
Maintaining oral hygiene practices at home promotes gum health. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, helps remove plaque and food particles from the teeth and gumline. Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and using gentle, circular motions helps clean without causing trauma.
Daily flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing at least once a day reduces plaque buildup and the likelihood of gum inflammation. If recommended by your dentist, an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce bacteria and help manage gum inflammation.
A balanced diet supports overall gum health. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron, helps reduce inflammation and supports gum tissue. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings remove hardened plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by home care alone, for early detection and treatment.