Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

If you have an itch, you scratch it. However, there are some parts of your body that are difficult to scratch, and the reason why you're itchy in certain areas can be a mystery. If you have itchy gums, you're going to need to visit your general dentistry provider.

Don't Scratch

First things first—don't scratch your itchy gums. Your gingival tissues are very sensitive, and may already be compromised (which has led to your itchiness, but more about that shortly). Instead of scratching your gums in an effort to relieve your discomfort, you should use a saltwater rinse. This should alleviate the worst of your itching until you're able to see your dentist. 

Gum Irritation

Speaking of your dentist—how has it been since you visited them? The most simple cause of itchy gums is irritated gums, and this is usually due to gingivitis. This is an inflammation of your gingival tissues triggered by the accumulation of bacteria. This bacteria can gain a foothold on your teeth via the build-up of dental plaque. This plaque is actually a biofilm of bacterial microorganisms, and once it has solidified on your teeth, only professional cleaning will remove it.

You May Need Scaling, Polishing, and Root Planing

Professional cleaning is a key component of general dentistry and is typically performed during a regular checkup. If you've been skipping your regular appointments, these bacterial microorganisms may well be the cause of your irritation and itchiness. Your dentist will comprehensively scale and polish your teeth, and if it's been some time (possibly years) since your last professional cleaning, your dentist may perform root planing too. This is an extra deep clean, where your dentist smooths the subgingival roots of your teeth using a handheld tool.   

Other Possible Causes

If your gums should continue to itch despite your best efforts (and after having your teeth professionally cleaned), there may be another cause. This could be a simple allergic reaction or hormonal changes. These causes are generally only temporary, unlike gingivitis, which will worsen without intervention. When gingivitis isn't the cause, you can find relief using a topical numbing gel to desensitise your gums. 

After your teeth have been professionally cleaned, any itchiness and irritation should quickly fade. To prevent it from bothering you again, you need to attend your regular dental checkups while still maintaining the highest possible level of oral hygiene at home. You can't only rely on your dentist to keep your teeth clean; it's crucial that you do your part too.