The gums in your mouth are responsible for keeping the teeth in place and protecting them from damage. Unfortunately, they are also subject to all sorts of problems brought on by bad oral hygiene! 

One such common symptom caused by bacteria is itchy gums—and if you are dealing with itchy gums as of this moment, you need to get them treated right away! Although they can be treated and prevented, itchy gums can lead to more serious dental problems if not addressed as soon as possible. If you are not dealing with them yet, it pays to know what you can do to ensure they never happen.

That being said, let us talk more about itchy gums—what the causes are and how to prevent them.

What are the causes of itchy gums?

Figuring out what has caused itchy gums can be tough to do by yourself, as there are numerous possible reasons for it to happen. As such, it is vital to see a dentist identify the cause of the problem!

A common cause of itchy gums is plaque buildup. Plaque is a mix of food bits and bacteria—and when they accumulate in the gum, it can lead to increased sensitivity, itchiness, and a few other problems. 

Gingivitis can also cause itchy gums and is generally started from plaque buildup. Other causes can also include surgery where the gums are slowly healing, dry mouth where a medical condition or medication can leave the mouth feeling dry, and badly-fitted oral appliances, such as braces, which can leave food trapped on the gums. Even hormonal changes such as puberty, menopause, and pregnancy can lead to itchy gums, simply because various hormones can leave the gums extra sensitive and tender! Injuries sustained from various activities such as sports can also lead to injured gums, which can be incredibly prone to itching.

As you can see, there are many causes of itchy gums—and it in itself is just a symptom of many of these issues! Given that, it’s important to see a dentist so that you can isolate the cause and set for proper treatment right away.

What can I do to prevent itchy gums?

The primary way to prevent itchy gums from happening is to keep the gums clean. This includes sticking to good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth after every meal. Other things that can be done include drinking plenty of water every day, reducing or quitting smoking, and flossing regularly. 

With that, if there is any case of itchy gums, a visit to the dentist should happen as early as possible! This will reduce the likelihood of invasive treatments like surgery needed to address the problem, and it will also help to recover from such an issue a lot easier and painlessly.

Conclusion

Itchy gums can be a symptom of various gum issues that can lead to serious dental problems if not appropriately addressed. While there are many ways to prevent itchy gums, such as keeping to good oral hygiene habits and drinking enough water, the moment you start to experience it is the moment you should schedule a visit with your dentist! Small problems can easily become big problems if not fixed right away, and with the help of a dentist, such problems can be quickly identified and addressed to reduce the chances of worsened issues.

Edmonton Smiles is a dental clinic offering teeth whitening, emergency dental, and preventive services to all those seeking better oral health. If you are looking for dentists in Edmonton to address your itchy gums, schedule an appointment with us today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice