Itchy gums and some of the causes that you should know

It's not just your skin that can itch, your gums can too. Itchy gums can indicate a problem with your body's overall health, from minor to ones that may require a doctor's attention. If left untreated, this condition can lead to a more serious infection. But first, find out what things can cause itchy gums, and how to deal with them. Come on, see the review below.

Things that cause itchy gums

1. Injured gums

Sores on the gums can cause pain, discomfort, and itching. Injured gums are usually the result of physical injury, for example brushing your teeth too hard or using an old toothbrush with coarse bristles that injures the gums. The habit of grinding your teeth while sleeping (bruxism) can also injure the gums, causing it to feel itchy. Itchy gums may also be caused by irritation from using e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

2. Poor oral and dental hygiene

Rarely, brushing your teeth and using dental floss can cause the gums to feel itchy. This is because food debris stuck in the teeth mixed with saliva and bacteria in the mouth will eventually turn into plaque. Over time, the accumulated dental plaque can cause gum disease. Symptoms of plaque buildup can include decreased gum sensitivity, bleeding when brushing your teeth, and itchy gums.

3. Allergic reactions

If you have an allergy to something, usually certain foods or drugs, exposure to the allergen can cause itchy gums. Even seasonal allergies like allergic rhinitis can cause gums to itch.

4. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes experienced by women, especially during pregnancy, entering puberty, menstruation, or menopause can make the mouth and gums itch. In addition, these hormonal changes can cause other problems including pain, reduced or increased sensitivity and bleeding in the mouth.

5. Dry mouth

The mouth generally has the ability to regulate its natural moisture on its own. Sometimes, medical conditions or the use of certain medications can make your mouth not produce enough saliva to keep your gums and tongue moist. This can cause dryness in the mouth, and one of the common symptoms of this condition is itchy gums.

6. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums

One of the consequences of not maintaining oral and dental hygiene as described above is gum inflammation. The inflammation caused by bacteria in plaque can be painful - resulting in the gums itching, swelling, redness, and bleeding - and as tooth decay continues, the gums also become more sensitive. This is called gingivitis.

This infection can spread and cause further tooth decay, so it's important to get it checked by a dentist as soon as possible so that it can be treated early. When gingivitis is not treated properly, a more serious inflammation of the gums can cause an abscess (an infection that causes pus to clot) and cause a dull throbbing pain, leading to chronic bad breath and damaging the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Teeth can become wobbly as a result of this infection, so they need to be pulled out.

Then, how to deal with itchy gums?

To find out what the exact cause of your itchy gums complaint, visit the nearest dentist. Your doctor can suggest some simple remedies or treatments related to your problem. For example:

1. Using antihistamine drugs. If the itching gums are caused by allergies, doctors will usually prescribe antihistamines to stop the symptoms of excessive itching.
2. Removes plaque on the teeth. If your itchy gums are caused by plaque buildup, you are required to remove excess plaque on your teeth using special tools. The reason is, it is not possible just by brushing your teeth to get rid of this plaque buildup.
3. Gargle salt water. Try dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then gargle gently throughout the oral cavity, then remove the water rinse. Gargle salt water several times to relieve itching and irritation of the gums.
4. Ice cubes. The trick, just stick or ice cubes on the itchy gums. As a bonus, ice cubes can also help hydrate your body.