There are many different sensations someone can feel in their mouth from sharp pains caused by cavities, to soreness in the gums. It can be confusing at times to know exactly what’s going on and why we’re experiencing these things. What’s more confusing is that sometimes these sensations come and go depending on the day.
One of the most confusing sensations people may feel is itchiness in the gums. We tend to think of our gums as a part of the body that never gets itchy, but it is possible in certain cases. Keep reading to learn about what could be causing this.
Allergies
For many people, their initial reaction would be that there is some sort of allergic reaction going on. It’s entirely possible that this could be what’s causing your itchy gums. Seasonal allergies don’t just cause the eyes and nose to be itchy and irritated, they can also lead to itchy gums. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), people who are allergic to pollen like ragweed or birch might experience a condition called oral allergy syndrome.
Also known as pollen-food syndrome, oral allergy syndrome is often caused by raw fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, or pollen. The reaction is the result of the immune system recognizing the proteins in these things as harmful. This condition results in itchiness in the throat, lips, and gums and can often cause swelling. Although pollen and raw fruits or vegetables may seem unrelated, the reaction is caused by something called cross-reactivity. What this means is that these foods may have similar proteins to whatever pollen is causing your allergies, meaning something as simple as an apple could cause a reaction for you.
If you have food allergies, whether it’s to seafood, nuts, or any other food item, you’re probably already familiar with what an allergic reaction feels like. Although an allergic reaction typically causes itchiness and swelling in the throat and around the outside of the mouth, it can also cause the gums to itch.
Post-Surgery Itch
It’s not uncommon for people to experience an itchy feeling in their gums after having surgery. People who just had their wisdom teeth removed report having an itch in the area where the incisions were made and is a result of the healing process. In order to prevent this, you can try rinsing with salt water, or asking your dentist about other possible ways to reduce the itching and inflammation.
No matter what type of surgery you had done, don’t try to scratch or rub the area that is healing. It could potentially heal more slowly or incorrectly as a result. When brushing, ensure that you’re not brushing the affected area either on accident or to relieve the itch. Your oral health specialist may recommend specific mouthwashes or toothpastes that will help keep bacteria out of the area, reducing inflammation and itchiness.
Gum Disease
There are many signs of impending gum disease or that gum disease is already present. Itchiness, along with swelling, inflammation, pain, or bleeding are all signs that you may have gum disease. In this case, improving your oral hygiene routine and visiting your local periodontist to diagnose the condition should be your first steps for treating it. Once you no longer have gum disease and bacteria is brought under control, you shouldn’t feel anymore itchiness in your gums.
Plaque
After eating, food particles, sugar, and bacteria combine to form a film on the teeth called plaque. Although brushing thoroughly will remove this, if it’s left on the teeth or gums long enough, it will start to infect and irritate the gums. You should be brushing twice a day in order to keep plaque from turning to tartar and leading to serious oral health conditions. Plaque can also form in between the teeth, so you need to make sure you’re flossing at least once a day in order to break it up and remove bacteria. Flossing is also a good way to massage gums that are feeling itchy and irritated while at the same time making improving their health. If you have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene habits, speak with your local periodontist.
Contact Same-Day Implants
If you’re experiencing itchy gums, it could be for any number of reasons. Allergies, gum disease, plaque, and post-surgery itchiness are all fairly common. If you believe you may be experiencing itchiness due to an extracted or lost tooth, you should speak with a periodontist at Same-Day Implants. We specialize in replacing natural teeth with dental implants that can help you regain the functionality and aesthetic appeal that you once had with your real teeth. If you have any questions or you want to schedule an appointment, contact us today about our dental implants in Seattle.
