Itchy Gums: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Does it feel like you have itchy gums? Sometimes an itchy mouth is an indication of gum disease. While not everyone with periodontal disease experiences itchy gums, variations of gum irritation are completely normal. With proper dental hygiene, you can prevent itchy gums and other oral symptoms of periodontal infections. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why you might have itching gums:

It’s Been a Few Days Since You Flossed

It only takes a little time for oral bacteria to build up on your teeth. If you head home straight after a dental cleaning thinking, “I’m going to floss each day,” but you don’t, the bacteria will start to build up within a day or so. Flossing cleans about 2/5 of your tooth surfaces as well as the gums between them, so itchy tissues are normal if you haven’t cleaned your smile well in a few days. Irritation can be mild at first, but it can easily progress into gingivitis within a few weeks. 

If your itchiness is isolated to one area and there’s also a pimple on your gums, it could be a tooth abscess. 

Allergic Reaction

If you have any known food allergies or have ever experienced severe allergic reactions, itchy gums may be a common symptom, especially if you have a food allergy since your mouth is covered in mucosal tissues that quickly swell. Hopefully, if you are someone with a food sensitivity or allergy, you will have an epi-pen on hand and can administer it at the earliest signs of inflammation. As with any severe allergic reaction, it’s important to call 911 or head straight to the nearest emergency room. 

If you have allergies to certain types of medications, swelling or itchy tissues may also be noticeable. 

Some people are even allergic to certain types of toothpaste. If your mouth feels itchy right after brushing, rinse your mouth well and swap toothpaste to see if it makes a difference. 

Other medical conditions such as hay fever are less likely to cause pain, but it’s always best to seek out your physician to provide medical advice. 

Dry Mouth

Xerostomia is a diagnosis where your mouth secretes too little saliva. Although dry mouth doesn’t necessarily cause irritated gums or discomfort, it can create a condition where tissues become more sensitive. If you aren’t drinking plenty of water, you’ll be at high risk for tooth decay and irritation. Without enough saliva, you might find that symptoms are more evident in your teeth and gums than normal, especially if there is sticky film found along your gum lines. 

Hormonal Changes

Some women experience oral health symptoms like itchy gums or inflamed gums because of hormonal changes. Everything from pregnancy to menses to menopause may come into play. While not all women experience changes in their teeth and gums, it’s fairly common enough that it’s best to rule those issues out when you’re experiencing atypical itchy gums. 

If You Experience Itchy Gums

Good home care can reverse early gum infection within about two weeks. Healthy gums need to be brushed twice a day to keep them stimulated and to remove plaque buildup. Flossing is also important, as bacteria can settle between teeth, triggering infection. Preventing plaque buildup will address issues like swelling along the gum line, bleeding gums, and red tissues. While good brushing and flossing are most important, you might still need a preventative or deep cleaning to target calcified bacterial deposits around your teeth.

For short-term relief, at-home remedies can also include rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day (to reduce inflammation.) An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Motrin or ibuprofen can also help with gum swelling on a temporary basis. Rinsing with essential oil-based, alcohol-free mouthwash may also prove to be helpful. 

Unfortunately, itchy gums may indicate a more serious concern if symptoms persist. Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease will not improve with a re-vamped home hygiene routine. A periodontal assessment and deep cleaning will be integral to the healing process. 

Since gum disease—the main cause of itchy, red, bleeding gums—lurks well below the gum lines, it’s essential to seek out professional dental care. A gum specialist will evaluate your mouth for further damage, such as bone loss and gum pockets. In addition, heavy tartar buildup below the gumlines will need to be removed by a professional, as no amount of brushing, flossing, or other home remedies will help. 

Why Does it Matter if I Have Itchy Gums? 

Problems like gum disease, bone loss, and teeth grinding can gradually weaken the integrity of your smile over time. If you’ve always had a healthy mouth but suddenly experience itching, you’re in a good position to do something about it. Basic preventative care usually reverses gum irritation within a couple of weeks. But if you don’t treat it early enough, the plaque along your tissues and just underneath will weaken each tooth. At a certain point, nothing can be done to preserve your teeth, and they may have to be extracted. 

Just as important as tooth loss is the impact that gum disease has on your overall health. The more aggressive your periodontal infection is, the greater the strain it causes on your immune system. You’ll even be at a higher risk of pneumonia, heart attack, and other systemic health problems. You might not be as worried about your smile as you are about your overall health, but the two go hand in hand and gum disease can lead to other more serious diseases. 

Is it Time to See a Periodontist? 

Do your gums itch? If you have symptoms of periodontal disease such as swelling, bleeding, gum recession, or tooth mobility, it’s best to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent bacteria from spreading to the rest of your body via your cardiovascular system. 

The Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy offers specialized treatment for gum disease in Los Angeles and Southern CA. If you suspect an oral infection or have chronic bad breath, reach out to our gum experts today to request an appointment. 

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