Why Do I Have Itchy Gums?

Imagine your mouth has started developing a strange sensation, specifically around the gums and teeth, that goes from a light tingling to something more uncomfortable that you would just love to scratch with a toothbrush. When you develop itchy gums, it can be quite an unpleasant experience, but, fortunately, the cause behind them usually isn't too hard to figure out. Once your dentist knows what's causing the itching sensation, treating it as well as preventing future issues should be easy. If you’re curious of what could be causing your itchy gums, check out our quick list below and find out what can be done to help.

Plaque Buildup

Unsurprisingly, the mouth is home to a plethora of bacteria, and those bacteria can join with sugars as well as other particles within the mouth, forming plaque, which rests on the gums and teeth. Brushing teeth regularly helps remove plaque, but if it isn’t removed in a timely fashion, such as by skipping brushing one night, the plaque can gather up enough and make you feel it. Some cases can lead to you feeling fuzzy coatings on your teeth while other cases can have you feeling itching sensations, due to the plaque irritating the gums. To ensure you’ve got plaque under control, make sure to brush twice per day and floss daily.

Gum Disease

Some cases of itchy gums are due to gingivitis, which is one of the first stages of gum disease. Most people think of bleeding and swelling in their gums when they think of gingivitis, but it can also lead to itching. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable, with your dentist likely deep-cleaning your teeth to reduce inflammation before offering tips for homecare of your gums and teeth.

Allergies

In addition to causing your eyes and nose to itch, allergies can result in itchy gums as well. In the event you eat or use something near your mouth or in it that leads to an allergic reaction, this can cause irritated, inflamed, or itchy gums. Some individuals who have allergies to certain kinds of pollen, including ragweed or birch, can have oral allergy syndrome, which can cause lip swelling, an itchy throat, and scratchiness of the throat, often after one eats certain raw vegetables, seeds, or fruits. Doctors can diagnose this condition using an allergy test, so if you’re allergic to certain foods, it’s best to avoid them as a preventative measure.

After Surgery

Sometimes, itchy gums start up while incisions from oral surgery are healing. For instance, when wisdom teeth are removed, itching of the gums may occur during the healing process. Rinsing the mouth out using salt water may help to soothe the itching, or your dentist could offer some tips for safe itching relief. Just remember—don't try scratching your itchy gums right after surgery, as the area is still healing, and scratching may impede that process and cause further issues.

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