Have you ever experienced itchy gums? You may feel a tickle or tingle around your gumline that turns into discomfort. Itchy gums are typically a result of poor oral hygiene, but a dental professional can diagnose and offer treatment to give your itchy gums relief.
These are the following reasons why you might be experiencing itchy, irritating gums:
1. Plaque Buildup
Plaque is a common cause of itchy gums. It's a sticky film found in your mouth atop your teeth and gums, made up of bacteria, sugars, and germs. The more plaque you have, the higher your chances of having cavities and gum disease. Like most oral care issues, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing a dental professional twice a year will help eliminate plaque and the risk for itchy gums.
Neglecting regular oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. The most common periodontal disease is gingivitis. In this case, the itching will seem insignificant to the swelling and bleeding associated with gum disease. Fortunately, thorough deep cleaning from a dental professional and regular oral care at home, including a daily mouthwash rinse, should help prevent the itching and gum disease from returning.
Allergies cause itching in your eyes, nose, skin, and sometimes in your gums. Oral itchiness is usually triggered in two ways:
- Certain products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.) with specific ingredients can irritate and inflame your gums, leading to itching.
- Oral allergy syndrome can cause swelling of the lips, scratchiness in the throat, and an itchy mouth and gums. This can occur from cross-reacting allergens found in pollen, raw fruits, vegetables, and some tree nuts.
Your dentist can recommend certain oral care products with ingredients that irritate your gums and mouth, while a medical doctor can diagnose what you're allergic to so you know what to avoid in the future.
It's not uncommon for your gums to itch after having your wisdom teeth removed. Rinsing with saltwater could help. Speak with your dentist if that doesn't do the trick. The last thing you want to do is scrub and scratch anywhere near the location of your surgery. It could disrupt your healing process.
Chances are plaque and/or gum disease are the culprits causing your itchy gums. And if that's the case, a good oral care routine will drastically improve your situation and squash the itch. If your itch is recurring, check in with a dental professional so they can properly examine your gums and teeth. They'll be itching to get to the bottom of your itch as well.
Though itchy gums and teeth can be uncomfortable, it's not usually something worthy of alarm. That said, there are cases when the underlying cause requires treatment, so you shouldn't hesitate to contact your dentist if you're experiencing itchiness.
In all cases, bleeding gums or pain are a sure sign that a dental assessment is required to avoid more severe problems. Following are the most common reasons teeth and gums feel itchy.
Plaque buildup
Plaque, a sticky film that forms in your mouth, can cause itchiness if it's allowed to accrue. The itch happens because plaque houses bacteria that can irritate your gums. Luckily, dental itchiness caused by plaque buildup can easily be avoided if you practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year.
Gingivitis
In the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, the gums tend to become red, swollen, sensitive and may even bleed. Though uncommon, the condition can also make your gums itch. If you have gingivitis, your dentist will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment to ensure the disease is controlled or eliminated.
Injury
In some cases, an itchy sensation in your mouth is the result of minor damage to a tooth or the gums around a particular tooth. It's not the injury itself that causes the itchiness, but the healing of the wound. In this case, the itchiness will usually go away on its own. However, if it persists, it's a good idea to get your dentist to take a look and make sure nothing is amiss.
Allergies
You probably already know that hay fever can make your eyes and nose itch. However, it can also have an effect on your gums. Similarly, eating something you're allergic to can cause inflammation in your gums, making them itchy. In the case of an allergic reaction, antihistamines will usually alleviate itching; however, more serious reactions may need emergency intervention.
Hormone shifts
The changes in hormone levels experienced by women throughout their lifetimes can have a significant effect on their gums. In addition to causing pain, sensitivity and bleeding, hormonal fluctuation can result in itchy gums. If you experience itchy teeth or gums during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation or menopause, know that it may just be your hormones at play.
Visit a dentist in Red Deer
If you've got itchy gums, top teeth or bottom teeth, or if you have any other concerns about your oral health, reach out to our preventitive dentistry team at Parkland Mall Dental Centre. New patients are welcome and, since we offer dentistry for children, we're happy to provide dental care for your entire family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Claire Sissons on September 29, 2017
There are many reasons why gums can itch, from an allergic reaction to issues with teeth. What are the possible causes, and are itchy gums an early warning sign that can help prevent other health problems?
Gums are the soft tissue surrounding the teeth that provide a seal around each tooth. Healthy gums are essential for protecting teeth, and itching is often a sign that bacteria have built up between teeth and gums.
Itchy gums are usually easy to treat, and good dental hygiene can prevent most problems.
In some cases, itching could be a sign of a more serious concern, such as gum disease, so a person should visit a dentist if symptoms persist.
Share on PinterestIf itchy gums are accompanied by consistent and unexplained bleeding, a dentist should be consulted.
Itchy gums can have a number of different causes, so other symptoms can help determine the exact problem:
- Itching that also affects the roof of the mouth may be an allergy.
- Red, irritated, or inflamed gums could point to the first stages of gum disease.
- Pain, aching, or swelling could be the result of an injury or tooth abscess.
Gums that bleed lightly for a short time is common, such as when someone first begins flossing.
However, regular bleeding may be a sign of an underlying concern a dentist should check.
A common cause of itchy gums is a plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film found on teeth, which contains bacteria that break down some of the simple sugars found in food and drink.
If plaque builds up and stays on teeth for long enough, it can begin to harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with floss or a toothbrush.
Tartar below the gum line can cause gums to become irritated and inflamed. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.
A mild allergic reaction can cause an itchy mouth. If someone has hay fever, they may also suffer from oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which causes itchiness or swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, or throat after eating raw fruit or vegetables.
The teeth and gums are sensitive to hormonal changes. For women and girls experiencing puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, hormone changes may cause itchy gums or increase the risk for gum disease.
If someone has injured their teeth, gums, or mouth, they may experience itching as cuts or lesions begin to heal.
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Grinding can cause damage to teeth and gums, including wearing away enamel or receding gums.
A dry mouth can be a common cause of itchy gums. The body should naturally produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist, but certain medical conditions, medications, or foods may prevent this, resulting in a feeling of dryness. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day should quickly stop gums itching.
Less common causes of itchy gums include:
- teething in younger children
- teething in adults between the ages of 17 and 21 when the wisdom teeth usually come through
- canker sores, oral herpes, or viral infections that can affect the gums
- tooth abscesses
Poor dental hygiene is the underlying reason for many cases of itchy gums because the teeth and gums are not kept clean enough, and plaque builds up.
Read on to find out more about how to take care of teeth and gums, at-home remedies, and when to seek treatment.
Share on PinterestUsing a saltwater rinse as mouthwash may help to ease the symptoms of itchy gums.
There are a few simple things that people can do at home straight away to relieve gum itching and irritation:
- brushing teeth, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash
- rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution
- taking an over-the-counter antihistamine if itching has been caused by an allergy
A person should see their dentist if itching persists or if other symptoms are present. Controlling inflammation and infection is key to stopping gums from itching.
It is important to see a dentist if symptoms persist, as the first stage of gum disease or gingivitis can usually be controlled and treated easily. A dentist will be able to advise on changes to diet and lifestyle and provide initial care, such as professional cleaning.
A dentist or dental hygienist will need to remove any tartar, as this cannot be done at home. This process is referred to as scaling.
There is no clear test for OAS, but someone should be able to tell if they have it by taking a skin allergy test for pollen or by discussing the history of their symptoms with a doctor.
Avoiding any raw fruits or vegetables that seem to be causing the reaction, or peeling them before eating, should help.
If mouth injuries or bruxism cause itchy gums, wearing a customized mouth guard that prevents teeth grinding is likely to be the best option for preventing further damage to the teeth and gums.
Share on PinterestBrushing teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste can help to keep gums healthy, preventing itchy gums.
The most important way to prevent itchy gums, and the problems that can be associated with them, is to keep teeth and gums clean.
Good dental hygiene can prevent a range of health issues, and keeping teeth free of plaque is an easy first step to take.
The American Dental Association recommend brushing teeth for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing in between teeth once a day. Mouthwash may be helpful for people who often have problems with sore gums or infections.
Smoking can negatively affect oral health, including staining teeth or slowing down the healing process. Research suggests smoking may also increase the risk of gum disease, which can be signaled by itchy gums.
As a result, quitting smoking may be a good preventive step.
Itchy gums are often a good early warning of a potential problem, such as gum disease. Hormonal changes, new medication, or an allergic reaction can cause itchy gums. As a result, the condition may be temporary or easy to treat at home.
If someone is concerned or has symptoms that last more than a few days after treatment at home, they should consult a dentist.
Teeth often get more attention than gums, but looking after gums by brushing and flossing regularly and keeping an eye on any changes or irritation, is key to good overall oral health.
Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2017
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