Itchy Gums – What It Means for You

Have your gums ever felt…itchy? It seems weird to want to scratch that annoying sensation in your mouth, that little tickle that is painfully uncomfortable.

Itchy gums are unpleasant, especially when you aren’t sure what it means when that tingling starts. Do you just deal with it, or tell your dentist? What exactly causes itchy gums and what does it mean?

Allergies

Allergies do not just present themselves in the form of rashes on the skin, or leaky and irritable eyes. Instead, itchy gums can be a tell-tale sign of an allergy. Whether you eat something that is a known allergen or use a product within the mouth that causes a reaction, itchy gums can be the end result. A doctor can help you to identify what is causing the allergic reaction through allergy testing.

Plaque

Bacteria forms in our mouths, which is why the importance of brushing came into effect. The bacteria that forms cause a film build-up, known as plaque, that rests in the spaces between your teeth, as well as at the base of the gums.

If you don’t keep an active dental routine, then you miss the chance to remove the plaque that builds up in the key areas. If this occurs for a few days in a row, the plaque can build up enough to cause irritation in the mouth, and you could feel a fuzzy coat over the tooth’s surface. Otherwise, it can also cause itching to the gums.

To avoid the irritation, keep up with a healthy dental routine. This means brushing and flossing twice a day.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis, or gum disease, can also cause an itchy sensation in the gums. Known traits of gingivitis are swelling and bleeding in the gums, but a little-known fact is that it can also cause the gums to become itchy and irritated. Gingivitis, thankfully, is treatable.

Book a consultation with your dentist at Dental on Clarendon today to have a deep cleanse of your mouth, and a treatment plan initialised.

After Surgery

If you’ve recently undergone oral surgery, you could have a case of itchy gums whilst any incisions that were made are healing. For instance, if your wisdom teeth were recently removed, your gums could feel itchy as the area is healing. To soothe the itch, try rinsing your mouth with warm salted water. If you have any concerns, contact your dental professional.