All You Need to Know About Itchy Gums

In most cases, itchy gums are a sign of a mild bacterial infection. It could also be caused by the presence of gum disease. Itchy gums can also be caused by a dry mouth. Or, it could be the result of an allergic reaction to food, drink or your oral care products.

In this guide, we’re exploring the causes of itchy gums and what you can do to treat it. If you’re suffering with itchy gums and want to get to the bottom of the issue, book an appointment with our team to find out more.

What causes itchy gums?

The most common reasons for itchy gums include:

• Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease. This happens when bacteria causes inflammation of the gums, leading to swelling, tenderness and pain. It can also cause your gums to feel itchy. You might suffer from gum disease if you are not brushing your teeth correctly or if you are forgetting to floss.

• Allergic reaction to food, drink or oral care products. Certain products can lead to an allergic reaction, which could leave you with a strange sensation of itchiness in your gums. Acidic food like ripe pineapple are common allergens. You might also be allergic to ingredients in your toothpaste like baking soda.

• You might have a bacterial infection in your gums, which is usually secondary to gum disease.

• A dry mouth can also cause itchy gums. Common causes of a dry mouth include medications, smoking, anxiety and breathing through your mouth at night.

• Hormonal changes can lead to itchy gums or gums that are easily irritated. Changes in female hormones including oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can leave you with a strange sensation in your gums. It can also make your gums feel much more sensitive and irritable.

If you’re suffering from itchy gums, don’t ignore this issue as it could lead to further issues down the line. It’s best to address this problem head on to avoid further damage to your gums and teeth.

If left untreated, problems such as periodontal disease can attack the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. This could allow the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. This is a preventable condition, provided you act quickly and follow the treatment plan provided by your dentist.

How are itchy gums treated?

If you are suffering from itchy gums, the first step is to understand the cause. Possible treatments could include:

• If your itchy gums are caused by gum disease, you will need to visit the dental hygienist for regular dental cleanings. This will help to remove the bacteria and plaque buildup that is causing the inflammation. You may also need to switch to a specialist toothpaste and mouthwash to help tackle the inflammation.

• If your itchy gums are caused by an allergy, we will need to find out what is causing this. Keeping a food diary and making a note of the products you use to care for your teeth could help you to better understand what is causing the allergic reaction.

• If your itchy gums are caused by dry mouth, we will need to get to the bottom of the cause. A mouth guard worn at night time can help with mouth breathing, or you might have to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking.

• In the case of a bacterial infection, you will need to visit the dental hygienist to help address the health of your gums. This can be highly effective in tackling itchy gums and to prevent further damage to the gum tissue.

• Regular trips to the dentist during pregnancy can help to protect your oral health and will also allow your dentist to remain on top of issues that may arise during this time.

Final thoughts on itchy gums

In general, itchy gums are not something that you need to be worried about, but you also shouldn’t ignore this issue. There is often a simple explanation and a simple solution to this issue, but you should always turn to your dentist for advice.

Itchy gums can feel very strange and might be accompanied by increased sensitivity, swollen gums, or bleeding when you brush. These are obvious signs that something is wrong and should be addressed with the help of your dentist.

If you’re worried about itchy gums, get in touch with our team today. We can help you to get to the bottom of the issue so that you can stop this strange sensation and prevent long-term issues.