It is quite common to have itchy gums when irritated, but the reasons behind it are fairly unknown. It may be a symptom of anything from neglecting one's oral cavity to being a manifestation of many systemic diseases. The cause will help one manage and alleviate this very common oral problem. The article covers the major reasons that cause itchy gums and slightly explores more about each one of these factors that influence your oral health. It will also help enlighten you as to how these causes will help you take preventive measures to maintain the health of your gums and ensure no itching in the future.
Here we discuss the 10 causes of Itchy Gums!!
1-Poor Oral Hygiene and Plaque Build-up
Itchy gums are a result of the main cause: bad oral hygiene. If you don't regularly brush and clean your teeth, plaque will start developing along the gum line. The plaque is that nauseating, gummy layer of bacteria that causes swelling and itching in the gum areas. A by-product of poor oral hygiene, plaque over time can harden into tartar, further inflaming the gums. One should brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for cleaning and checkups. The foregoing act is not only instrumental in preventing itching in the gums; this likewise ensures that the mouth is clean.
2-Gingivitis
Gingivitis - red, swollen gums that may be tender or itch and bleed easily. This appears to be the earliest stage of all types of gum diseases. The itchy gums are well documented and the main early warning sign of gingivitis—is an active inflammation of the gums because of plaque and bacteria. It can be reversed with good oral hygiene. Early intervention is, therefore, required to avoid complications due to untreated gingivitis. It only advances into more serious forms in the diseases of gums.
3-Allergic Reactions to Oral Products
This will then result in itching, swellings, or even reddening of the gums. If you feel that you are developing an allergic reaction to some dental product, then stop applying more of the product and contact your dentist. They will look into finding out the allergen and change to other products, maybe hypoallergenic or sensitive ones. It'll surely save you from the irritation of gums and many such oral pains due to sensitivity.
4-Medication Side Effects
When someone has a dry mouth, they spit out significantly less than normal. Saliva is necessary to remove food particles from the mouth and to counteract the acids that the plaque bacteria create. Insufficient saliva can cause the gums to dry up, hurt, and start to itch. Give them a call if you think that the drug is the cause of your dry mouth and itchy gums. Likewise, they might lower your dosage or try different drugs that have less of an impact on you when taken orally.
5-Dental Repairs: Crowns and Fillings
Certain materials used in dental crowns and fillings might potentially irritate the gums or trigger allergic responses. Gum tissue that is itching could be an indication that the repair is irritating the gums excessively because of tooth sensitivity. Get in touch with your dentist if the area around a tooth restoration is causing you discomfort or constant itching. He or she will assess the restoration, soothe any irritability, and suggest replacing it with a more biocompatible substance. When dental restorations are placed correctly, they feel comfortable and don't cause irritation or itching to the gums.
View More: 10 Foods For Strong And Healthy Teeth
6-Menopause and Pregnancy: Hormonal Shifts
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause have an impact on dental health and cause sensitivity and itching in the gums. During pregnancy, a high level of progesterone exaggerates the body's reaction to the formation of plaque and thus causes inflammation of the gums, resulting in itchiness. During menopause, when the hormonal level fluctuates, this can lead to a decrease in saliva production, hence raising a greater chance of experiencing dry mouth with itchy gums.
7-Nutritional Deficiencies
Collagen is produced and the gums are kept healthy by vitamin C. The general health of your teeth depends on the B vitamins. Deficiencies increase the likelihood of canker sores by causing thrush of the mouth. The dietary inadequacies that cause itchy gums can be avoided with a generally healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, dairy products, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. To support healthy gums, a person should always speak with a doctor or qualified nutritionist about taking supplements or making dietary adjustments if they feel that their diet is not providing enough nutrients.
8-Anxiety and Stress
Chronic stress weakens the body's ability to fight off infections, which can lead to the recurrence of diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. This contributes to the reduction of everyday stress levels by being active through exercises, meditation, breathing, or even talking to a therapist. Relaxation and generally good health habits promote the health of the gums.
9-Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco contains numerous chemicals that decrease blood flow to the gums, damage the immune system's ability to combat infection and enhance the troubled adhesion of plaque and tartar on teeth. The practice gradually causes recession of the gums, loss of teeth, and other serious or potentially serious oral consequences. For this reason, ceasing to smoke and use tobacco products is a significant prevention of itchy gums; in fact, it commonly preserves oral health. Consult the health practitioner or get assistance from the quit-smoking programs.
10-Systemic Health Conditions
Those with Diabetes are more inclined to acquire gum diseases than those without Diabetes, especially when the blood sugar is not in control, predisposing the body to infections. With a compromised immune system, people may experience new onset or exacerbation of an autoimmune disease, which can cause inflammation in multiple areas, including the gums, and this might be quite disturbing. Therefore, one should emphasize following medical advice on controlling one's systemic health issues maintaining good oral hygiene habits, and regularly visiting dentists. This way, complications will be reduced, and problems affecting gum health lowered.
Conclusion
You will save yourself much discomfort and ensure your overall gum health if you identify some of the various causes for itchy gums, and take proactive measures toward practicing good oral hygiene and attention to other health issues that can impact your teeth and gums. Remember, regular brushing and flossing should be performed to have healthy gums with no itching sensation at all, besides using oral care products per needs and planning regular dental checkups. Oral health is a component of general health; hence, protecting your gums is relevant to you if you'll ever sport a healthy smile for years to come.
