Are you worried about your itchy gums? Oral health issues tend to arise even when you have a proper dental hygiene routine. Every once in a while, cavities, toothache, and other issues make us rush to the dentist. But, sometimes, people visit the dental office with the question: why are my gums itchy?
You should not neglect any oral health issues you experience, especially if you experience any problems with your gums. In this blog, we will go over the possible causes and treatments for itchy or irritated gums.
Why Your Gums Feel Itchy
Many individuals focus on their teeth but forget gum care. Taking care of your gums is a crucial part of oral hygiene. Hence, it is crucial to know you have itchy gums. Some causes of itchy gums include the following:
- Gingivitis
When plaque accumulates in your mouth, especially along the gum line, it can lead to bacterial infections. Initially, it takes a mild form known as gingivitis. With time, though, symptoms such as bleeding, pain, swelling, redness, and bad odor occur. Thus, itchy gums could indicate you have periodontal disease. If you suspect this condition, you will require professional gum disease treatment. - Dry Mouth
Salvia production helps keep our mouth healthy by washing away the food particles and bacteria that linger on the surface of teeth. However, multiple factors can result in a dry mouth. If you have a dry mouth, it could be responsible for the itchiness in your gums and other oral health issues. - Hormonal Changes
Yes, hormonal changes can also play a role in causing gum irritation. So if you are pregnant, menstruating, or experiencing menopause, you are going through hormonal changes. Moreover, many pregnant women develop gum disease. In short, gum issues could be related to changes in a person’s hormones. - Allergies
Do you have allergies of any kind? Chances are, your gums might be itchy due to your allergies. Since the sinuses dry out during allergies, they can irritate the gums as they lie within close proximity. Hence, your gums can become irritated and itchy due to allergies. - Plaque
Plaque, formed as a result of the reaction of bacteria and sugary foods or drinks, collects on the surface of your teeth. That is not all; you can notice plaque build-up on your gum lines as well. When plaque keeps building, your gums become itchy.
How To Relieve Itchy Gums?
Your periodontist will examine your mouth to determine the reason why your gums are itchy and irritated. Once the reason is diagnosed, they will proceed with adequate treatment to eliminate the itchiness in your gums. They might suggest the following to relieve itchy gums:
- Professional procedure to scrub off plaque and tartar
- Prescribing OTC medications for allergies or antihistamines
- Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm salt water
- Scaling and root planing
You should concentrate on proper brushing and flossing to improve the symptoms. Good oral hygiene helps keep plaque and bacteria away from your teeth as well as your gums. Other than this, talk to your dentist regarding dry mouth treatments. If your itchy gums are due to hormonal changes, any concerned doctor will be able to help.
What’s Next?
Gum disease, hormonal changes, plaque build-up, and more could be the cause of your itchy gums. Visit a periodontist for effective treatment. Our dental team at Smile 4 Ever Dentistry looks forward to eliminating your dental concerns! Call us now at 281-213-5668. You can also visit us at 14715 TC Jester Blvd Houston, Texas, 77068.