Cool water seems to soothe irritation better, especially if there's swelling involved...maybe it's a circulation thing?
I've actually noticed something similar myself. Warm water can sometimes increase blood flow to the area, which might make inflammation feel worse temporarily. I remember once when my gums were really irritated after flossing too aggressively (lesson learned...), I tried rinsing with warm salt water thinking it'd help, but it just made things feel more swollen. Switching to cooler water seemed to calm things down quicker. Maybe it's just individual sensitivity or something? Either way, you're definitely not alone in noticing that.
I've actually noticed something similar myself.
I've noticed something similar, though I think it depends on the cause of irritation. Warm salt water usually helps me if it's a mild soreness or healing from a small cut, but when there's noticeable swelling, cool water definitely feels better. Maybe the warmth just encourages more inflammation temporarily? Have you noticed if certain toothpastes or mouthwashes make your gums more sensitive too? I've had to switch brands before because of that...
I've had similar experiences with toothpaste sensitivity myself. Some brands seem to trigger irritation more than others, especially those labeled as "whitening" or "tartar control." I think certain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or strong flavorings can be a bit harsh on sensitive gums. Switching to a gentler toothpaste without SLS made a noticeable difference for me.
Regarding the warm vs. cool water thing, you're probably onto something. Warm salt water is great for minor irritations or healing, but if there's swelling involved, cooler temperatures might help soothe inflammation temporarily. It's interesting how our gums react differently depending on the cause and severity of irritation...
Either way, it's reassuring to know others have experienced this too. Gum sensitivity can be frustrating, but usually it's manageable once you pinpoint what's causing it.
Same here, whitening toothpastes always made my gums feel like they were staging a rebellion. Switched to something gentler and things calmed down pretty quick. Also, cold water definitely feels better when my gums act up...warm water just makes me think of soup, lol.
Whitening toothpastes can be surprisingly harsh, especially if your gums are already sensitive. I found switching to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive gums really helped me too. And you're right about cold water—it numbs things nicely. Warm water feels oddly unsettling...like rinsing with tea, haha.
