Gums can itch for several reasons, some more serious than others. If your gums are itchy, it’s important to determine the cause and take steps to treat it.
Many things can cause your gums to itch, such as an allergic reaction to something you ate or problems with your teeth. It’s essential to identify the cause so you can take steps to address it and prevent further health problems.
Most cases of gum itching are easy to treat with good dental hygiene. However, in some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as gum disease. If you experience persistent gum itching, be sure to visit your dentist.
11 Reasons Why Are Your Gums Itching
There are many reasons why your gums may be itching, including but not limited to:
1. Allergies
Do you ever have an itchy or fuzzy feeling in your mouth after eating certain raw fruits and vegetables? You may have oral allergy syndrome (OAS). It’s usually mild, but you should consult a doctor if it doesn’t clear up with an antihistamine. OAS can cause difficulty breathing or eating, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
2. Gum disease
If you have gum disease, the inflammation may cause your gums to itch. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If you have gingivitis, it’s essential to see a dentist so they can treat the infection before it progresses to periodontitis.
3. Poor oral hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles can build up on your teeth and gums, increasing bacteria. This can cause your gums to inflame and lead to other problems, such as bad breath and tooth decay.
4. Mouthwashes with alcohol
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can dry out your mouth and make your gums more prone to irritation. If you find that your gums are itching after using a mouthwash, try switching to one that is alcohol-free.
5. Smoking
Smoking can cause many problems for your oral health, including an increased risk for gum disease and tooth decay. It can also cause your gums to become irritated and inflamed, leading to itchiness. If you smoke and your gums are itchy, it’s essential to see a dentist so they can treat the underlying problem.
6. Dental appliances
If you wear dentures or other dental appliances, they may not fit properly and could irritate your gums. If your gums are itchy and you have dental appliances, make an appointment with your dentist so they can adjust them.
7. Dry mouth
If you have a dry mouth, it means your saliva isn’t properly lubricating your mouth. This can lead to many problems, including gum inflammation and tooth decay. If you have a dry mouth, try chewing sugar-free gum or using a saliva substitute to help keep your mouth moist.
8. Nutritional deficiencies
Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause your gums to itch. Vitamin C deficiency, for example, can lead to bleeding gums. If you think you may be deficient in vitamins or minerals, talk to your doctor about getting tested and starting a supplement regimen.
9. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or other times in life can cause gum inflammation and make them more susceptible to infection. If you’re experiencing hormonal changes and your gums are itchy, be sure to see a dentist so they can check for gum disease.
10. Stress
Stress can cause problems for oral health, including an increased risk for gum disease. If you’re experiencing stress and your gums are itchy, try relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. You should also see a dentist so they can check for any underlying dental problems.
11. Hormonal changes
The reason your gums might be itchy could be hormonal changes. This can happen during puberty, menopause, pregnancy, or any other time when your hormones shift. Usually, this symptom will go away independently, but if not, speak to your doctor.
If you have itchy gums, it’s important to see a dentist so they can determine the cause and treat any underlying problems.
Gum disease is a serious condition that requires treatment to prevent further damage to your oral health. Be sure to see a dentist if your gums are bleeding, swollen, or red. You should see a doctor immediately if you have any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or eating.
How to cure itchy gums at home naturally
1. Salt water rinse
One simplest and most effective way to soothe your gums is to rinse with salt water. The saline solution helps to reduce inflammation and can also help to kill bacteria that may be causing your gums to itch. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat as needed.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe irritated gums. Apply aloe vera gel to your gums with your fingers and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
3. Chamomile tea bags
Chamomile tea has long been a natural remedy for inflammation and irritation. Place a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Once it has cooled, apply the tea bag to your gums and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria that may be causing your gums to itch. It also helps to reduce inflammation and can be used as a natural mouthwash. Swish 1 tablespoon coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes, then spit it out. Rinse with warm water and repeat 2-3 times daily until your gums are no longer itchy.
5. Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help to soothe irritated gums. Simply apply some witch hazel to a cotton ball and dab it on your gums. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe irritated gums. Simply mix one teaspoon turmeric with 1 cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
8. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Simply add a few drops of peppermint oil to 1 cup of water and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
9. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation. Simply soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight. In the morning, strain the seeds and use the water as a mouthwash. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
10. Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Simply mix one minced garlic clove with 1 cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
11. Guava leaves
Guava leaves contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation. Simply chew on 2-3 guava leaves for 5 minutes and then spit them out. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
12. Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia is a natural antacid that can help to soothe irritated gums. Simply apply a small amount of milk of magnesia to your gums with a cotton ball and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times per day until your gums are no longer itchy.
When to see your doctor
If home remedies do not improve your symptoms, or if you have severe pain or bleeding, you should see your dentist or doctor. You may have gingivitis, a form of gum disease that needs to be treated with professional dental cleaning and antibiotics. If you are pregnant and experience gum inflammation, you should also see your dentist or doctor, as this may be a sign of pregnancy-related gingivitis.
