Itchy Gums? Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You

Itchy gums usually mean you need to up your dental hygiene, but there are culprits beyond plaque and gingivitis.
Image Credit: Nico De Pasquale Photography/Moment/GettyImages

Why are my gums itchy?​ If you've been asking yourself this question, you probably want answers — and fast. Could it be hormones, anxiety or even COVID-19?

Advertisement

"Itchy gums are a common problem. They're typically a sign that something is wrong, and the cause is usually plaque buildup and gum disease," says Kami Hoss, DDS, a San Diego-based dentist and author of ​If Your Mouth Could Talk​.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

But plaque and gum disease aren't the only culprits. Hormones, allergies, injuries and more can also factor in.

Here's how to figure out what's making your gums itch and how to find relief.

8 Causes of Itchy Gums

Itchy gums can happen when the gum tissue is inflamed or irritated. The irritation can stem from a number of causes, and seeing a dentist is the best way to figure out what's making your gums itch, Dr. Hoss says.

Advertisement

In the meantime, here are a few possibilities:

1. Too Much Plaque

Plaque is a colorless, sticky substance that can coat the teeth and gums. It forms when food and mucus combine with bacteria in your mouth and can build up when you skimp on flossing and brushing.

Advertisement

This can lead to itching, bleeding and sensitivity, explains Brad Eckhardt, DDS, a dentist in Greeley, Colorado.

Plaque may also accumulate when you have extra mucus, like when you have a cold or sinus infection. It's possible COVID-19 may trigger extra mucus that leads to mouth irritation, too, but itchy gums are not a common symptom of COVID, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Advertisement

2. Gum Disease

Excess plaque buildup can eventually lead to gingivitis, a form of gum disease, Dr. Eckhardt notes.

Gingivitis can make gums itchy and sensitive and appear puffy and swollen. It can also cause bad breath along with bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, per the Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

Advertisement

3. Dry Mouth

Your gums can feel itchy when you don't have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, says Dr. Eckhardt. Dry mouth can have a number of possible causes, and not all of them are serious.

The problem becomes more common with age. Feeling anxious or stressed can also make your mouth dry, and so can medications used to treat high blood pressure, depression or bladder control issues, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Advertisement

It can be a side effect of chemotherapy, radiation or nerve damage to the salivary glands as well.

4. Teeth Grinding or Other Mouth Injuries

Frequently grinding your teeth or sustaining another type of gum injury can lead to itching (as well as a headache or facial pain).

"Prolonged grinding of the teeth can open wounds and erode the enamel, which causes the gums to recede. This can cause itchy gums," Dr. Hoss says.

Advertisement

Other symptoms of teeth grinding include tooth pain, facial pain and headaches, especially when you wake up in the morning.

5. Hormonal Changes

It's not uncommon for gums to get itchy during pregnancy, before your period or during menopause.

"Surges in hormones can increase the blood flow to your gums and change the way the tissue reacts to plaque, causing itching," Dr. Hoss explains.

You might notice increased sensitivity or bleeding while brushing or flossing too. While the sensation can be annoying, it's normal and should ease up once your hormone levels even out.

Advertisement

6. Smoking or E-Cigarettes

Smoking and vaping aren't just bad for your lungs, they can also make your mouth uncomfortable.

Nicotine — a chemical that shows up in cigarettes and their electronic counterparts — contains irritants that cause gums to become inflamed, says Dr. Hoss. As a result, your gums might itch.

7. Improperly Placed Dental Device

Oral treatments like dental implants, bridges and dentures can cause itching when they don't fit well.

"Gaps between the dental devices and your gums will mean that food particles can easily sneak inside," Dr. Eckhardt explains. "The longer the food debris stays there, the more bacteria will be born from it and soon an infection might develop."

This can cause gums to become sensitive, inflamed and itchy.

8. Allergic Reaction

Eating, drinking or touching a substance you're allergic to can trigger itching and swelling on the skin as well as in your mouth, Dr. Hoss says. So if you have itchy gums after eating certain foods, allergies might be the culprit. (Some people even describe it as a tingling or burning in the mouth.)

Some people are also allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a chemical compound found in some toothpastes, according to DermNet NZ. If you have itchy gums after brushing, consider using an SLS-free toothpaste.

During an allergic reaction, you might also experience red or watery eyes, a runny nose or in severe cases, trouble breathing.

Warning

Some allergic reactions can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction marked by throat swelling, stomach pain, severe swelling, dizziness or confusion, per the Cleveland Clinic. If you are experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.

Treating Itchy, Irritated Gums

Just like treating a toothache, treatment for itchy gums involves addressing the underlying cause. That starts by seeing your dentist.

Advertisement

"It is critical that you identify the cause as soon as possible so you can receive the right treatment to stop the itch and keep the condition from getting worse," Dr. Eckhardt says.

Itching caused by plaque buildup or gum disease typically calls for scaling and root planing, Dr. Hoss advises. This involves removing plaque and smoothing the roots around your teeth to help the teeth reattach to the gums.

Teeth grinding or injuries can often be managed with mouth guards or night guards, while allergy-related itching is typically treating with antihistamines.

If you suspect your itchy gums are caused by dentures or another oral treatment, let your dentist know. They can improve the fit of the dentures or make other corrections to help you feel more comfortable.

Preventing Itchy Gums

Gum itching is common, but there are ways to steer clear. Number-one on the list? Good dental hygiene.

"The best way to prevent itchy gums caused by plaque buildup and gingivitis is to make sure you're regularly brushing, flossing and removing plaque from your teeth and gums," Dr. Hoss says.

For extra insurance, rinse with mouthwash to sweep away even more plaque.

If you notice your gums get itchy due to allergens, try to minimize your exposure. And if you smoke or vape, quit. "You'll greatly decrease your chances of getting itchy gums," Dr. Hoss says.

When to See a Dentist About Itchy Gums

Occasional gum itching that clears up quickly isn't cause for concern. But you should call your dentist if the itching sticks around for more than a week, Dr. Hoss recommends. They can examine your mouth to diagnose the problem and come up with a treatment plan to get rid of the itch.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
soxtry.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
maw-pr.com
zaaksen.com
ypxsptbfd7.com
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
onlinenewsofindia.com
worldgraphic-team.com
bnsrz.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
webmanicura.com
osostore.com
softsmob.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
odskc.com
inzziln.info
leaiiln.info
cq-oa.com
dqtianshun.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
bartoysdirect.com
taquerialoscompadresdc.com
aaoodln.info
amcckln.info
drvrnln.info
dwabmln.info
fcsjoln.info
hlonxln.info
kcmeiln.info
kplrrln.info
fatcatoons.com
91guoys.com
signupforfreehosting.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
topsedu.xyz
xmxm7.com
x332.xyz
sportstrainingblog.com
autopartspares.com
readguy.net
soniasegreto.com
bobbygdavis.com
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
qazwsxedcokmijn.com
parabis.net
terriesandelin.com
luxuryhomme.com
studyexpanse.com
ronoom.com
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
snn01.com
hope-kelley.com
bancodeprofissionais.com
zjccp99.com
liturgycreator.com
weedsmj.com
majorelenco.com
colcollect.com
androidnews-jp.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
nova-click.com
abeautifulcrazylife.com
diggmobile.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
sizam-design.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
bamthemes.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com
avgo.top