I’ve actually tried setting reminders, and weirdly enough, it helped for a while—then I started ignoring them like the rest of my notifications. Do you notice your gums getting worse with certain foods too, or is it just stress for you?
That’s honestly been me with reminders too—they just turn into background noise after a while. I actually think certain foods make a difference for me, especially anything super acidic or crunchy. Stress definitely plays a part, but if I go heavy on citrus or chips, my gums feel way more sensitive. Maybe it’s not just stress, you know? Sometimes I wonder if it’s a combo of stuff stacking up over time...
Maybe it’s not just stress, you know? Sometimes I wonder if it’s a combo of stuff stacking up over time...
I’ve been wondering the same. Is it really just what we eat, or does age make gums more sensitive? Do you floss daily or just brush? I find crunchy foods almost hurt lately, but I’m not sure if it’s normal or I’m just overthinking it. Anyone else have gums that sting after eating oranges?
I totally get what you mean about gums getting touchier with age. I used to be able to chomp down on popcorn or tortilla chips like it was nothing, but now I swear even a slightly over-toasted bagel feels like sandpaper. And citrus? Yeah, oranges and even pineapple make my gums sting sometimes—didn’t used to happen in my 20s.
I’ve always brushed twice a day, but flossing was hit-or-miss for me until a few years ago. Once I got more consistent with it, things improved a bit, but the sensitivity’s still there. My dentist said it’s partly just the wear and tear of getting older—gums can recede, nerves get closer to the surface, all that fun stuff. Stress definitely seems to play a part too. If I’m grinding my teeth at night or skipping good sleep, everything feels worse.
Honestly, I don’t think you’re overthinking it. Bodies just change over time and sometimes our mouths get cranky right along with the rest of us.
Bodies just change over time and sometimes our mouths get cranky right along with the rest of us.
You nailed it there. I’ve watched my kid breeze through eating stuff that would leave my gums wrecked for days. I used to think it was just bad brushing but honestly, it’s like the older you get, your gums are just looking for a reason to complain. That said, switching to a softer toothbrush helped me more than I expected—and cutting back on the crunchy snacks (painful, but worth it). Stress is a huge factor too; when my son’s teething or I’m running on no sleep, everyone’s gums in our house seem angrier.
