Why Do My Gums Itch? 17 Common Causes and Remedies

Aching teeth are a nightmare, and only one other ache comes in close competition to a toothache- an itchy gum. Gums are the invaluable cushioning that supports our teeth and help them stay in place, help us eat harder, crunchier food, and even maintain a healthy smile. The second the gums face an issue, several tooth-related issues begin to cascade. Itchy gums can be a nuisance, and there are several reasons why this might occur; not drinking enough water, having an infection, or being born with weak tissues are causes that top the list. However, gums and gum health must never be taken lightly. If you identify gum consistent gum pain that interferes with how you speak and the foods you eat, you must immediately seek to rectify the issue by meeting your dentist.  So, if you're wondering, "Why do my gums itch?" Keep reading to find out possible causes!

17 Possible Reasons Why Your Gums Itch?

Your gums are sensitive tissues that can be affected by the slightest of physical trauma. Some common reasons why you might have itchy gums are:

1. Dehydration

Your mouth is constantly kept moist with the help of saliva. But on days you drink less or no water, your mouth may feel dry, and the gums drier from not having enough moisture. Mouth breathers may often face the issue of itchy gums because breathing with your mouth open can cause the mouth and gums to get dry faster.

2. Infection

A cut in your gums may cause a gum infection. This may be when you eat hard or crunchy foods or when you brush your teeth vigorously. The infection may lead you to have itchy and swollen gums that worsen when you don't treat it. 

Also Read: Bacterial Infection Mouth: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

3. Plaque buildup

Bad oral hygiene can often lead to plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth. A thick layer of tartar can push against your gums and cause itching. Plaque formation is often the result of prolonged bad oral health and requires a dentist to clear the formed plaque. Not doing so can result in more severe dental issues. 

Also Read: How To Remove Tartar From Teeth?

4. Toothpaste allergies

If you're allergic to almonds and notice almond oil as an ingredient in your toothpaste, stay away! Toothpaste allergies are real, and you must be aware of them if you are prone to allergic reactions. Make it a habit to read the ingredients in your dental products because a minute allergen present in them may be causing that itch in your gums.

5. Acidic foods

Having sensitive gums can be a curse. Just eating an orange or drinking pineapple juice often makes your gums itch. In such cases, it is best to avoid acidic and citrus fruits to avoid itchy gums.

Also Read: 11 Foods That Cause Acid Reflux 

6. Teeth grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the condition of subconsciously grinding, gnawing, or clenching your teeth while in your sleep. The definite cause of bruxism is unknown; however, it may be caused due to stress and having a certain personality disorder. 

Also Read: 5 Ways To Stop Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) At Night

7. Gum disease

Why do my gums itch?" is a common question asked by many people experiencing discomfort in their oral cavity. Gingivitis and other periodontal disease occur to almost everyone at some point unless we are extra hygienic and maintain an extraordinary oral healthcare regime. Therefore, good oral practices are an absolute must. 

8. Tooth abscess

Also called a periapical abscess, this pus is collected at the tooth's root. This can be painful and often begins as an itch in the gums. A dental abscess is formed due to bacteria in the teeth. 

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Abscess Tooth Stages

9. Poor oral health

Poor oral health includes:

• Not brushing your teeth at least once a day.
• Not using mouthwash.
• Not rinsing your mouth after eating.

These habits must be carried out daily to ensure the healthy strength of teeth and gums.

10. Hormones

A hormonal imbalance, such as that seen in pregnant, lactating, and menopausal women, maybe the reason for your gum itch. Fluctuating hormones often cause oral health issues in women struggling with PCOS.

11. Smoking

Smoking is injurious to health in more ways than one. It is related to damaging your oral health, deteriorating your teeth, and causing bad breath. All this can lead to gum aches and severe itching in the gums. 

12. Viral cold

Viral cold affects the ear, the nose, and the throat. This pain can also radiate down to the gums and the teeth, leading to heaviness in the oral cavity. If you have itchy gums and viral cold, common cold, and flu, the itchy gums are probably because of the cold in the air. 

14. Tooth extraction

Extracting a tooth can often be more painful than a headache. Molar tooth extraction especially can cause itchy and aching gums for as long as a week after tooth extraction. Ask your dentist to prescribe a painkiller that may give you some relief after undergoing an extraction.

Also Read: Is Extraction of Tooth Painful?

15. Illness

Certain lifelong illnesses, such as diabetes, can deteriorate the health of the gums and lead to poor gum health. Itchy gums, aching gum, and bleeding gums are often observed in patients with diabetes. Patients having underlying gum diseases must be extra careful with their oral health. 

Also Read: 10 Tips on How to Stop Bleeding Gums

16. Teething

Teething is often seen in children between 8 weeks to 2 years old. It is the phase when the child begins to have new teeth for the first time. The symptoms often include headaches, the constant need to bite into hard objects, and itchy gums. 

17. Dental devices

For those who use braces, Invisalign, or even those who wear artificial teeth, if these dental devices are not placed correctly in the mouth, they may cause severe pressure in the teeth, which can radiate down to the gum, thus making your gums itchy.

Also Read: Essential Tools for Dentists and Dental Technician

What Can I Do To Get Rid of Itchy Gums?

It is important to understand the underlying causes of "Why do my gums itch?" to prevent further dental complications. Once you know the causes of itchy gum, you can seek relevant gum pain remedies and treatments. Following are a few DIY remedies to get rid of itchy gum: 

• Salt water gargling is an effective way to reduce the itch in your gums. Do it twice a day to get relief from the itch.
• Use an ice cube or pieces of ice cubes in between your gums to soothe the gums and numb the itching sensation.
• Chew on a clove stick to be free from itchy gums. Clove additionally helps get rid of bad mouth odor. 

When Should I See a Doctor?

Experts suggest you visit a dentist for a general checkup at least once a year to prevent dental issues. If not, you will often see the dentist for one or more of the above causes. However, do not miss your dentist's appointment if you notice the following:

• Your gums bleed every day after brushing your teeth
• Your gum itch after eating mild and bland foods
• Your gumache prevents you from eating and talking
• Your gum itch lasts for more than a week

Conclusion - 

Itching gums can be a severe annoyance and even stop you from eating your favorite foods. However, itchy gums may also indicate that our oral cavity needs attention. A simple way to keep oral health issues at bay is by maintaining oral health by brushing daily, using mouthwash, and by regularly flossing your teeth. These tasks are simple but reap extreme benefits in the long run. If you suffer from itchy gums despite maintaining good oral health, it is wise to identify the cause of gum pain so that you may address it accordingly. Do not wait for long with persistent gum itch, as there may be an underlying cause of the gum itch. In such cases, you must seek dental advice for a healthcare professional before your gums curse you. 

Also read: 5 Unhealthy Habits That Can Put Your Oral Health At Risk