Itchy gums are no joke. Apart from the possibility of bad teeth, the immense amount of itchiness and uneasy feeling are bound to leave you completely frustrated and looking for an instant cure at the end of the day. But why do they happen???
There are many reasons behind itchy gums, including gum diseases, poor teeth hygiene, allergies, hormonal changes, plaque, and even trauma to the gums. While most of these are treatable with the right medications, some issues may need you traveling to the dental specialist a lot of times. But what if I said that you could also get relief with instant home remedies!!! Don’t believe me??? Try these out and then see the difference yourself.
However, to understand the notion better let’s start from the very basics.
Why do gums itch?
If you aren’t sure why your gum has started itching suddenly or there has been a tingling sensation for some days now, it might be because:
Plaque
Every time we eat, the saliva mixes with the food leaving behind a colorless, sticky substance which when not cleaned properly can build over time. This in turn creates the perfect breeding place for many nasty microbes and bacteria, leading to gum diseases, itchy gums and even bad dental hygiene. Moreover, keeping it ignored for long can also lead to Halitosis, a medical issue where the individual has a typical bad breath and needs professional dental care.
Gingivitis
Another dental problem characterized by a foul smelling breath, gingivitis occurs when there is a tremendous amount of tartar formation. Also known as periodontal disease, it is mainly caused due to infectious gums and bones surrounding the teeth, resulting in severe pain and inflammation. The accumulated tartar causes the teeth to eventually go weak and is accompanied with secondary issues including swollen or puffy gums that are very tender and prone to bleeding, severe itchiness, receding gums, etc. The issue is relatively mild, however timing and efficient care plays a major role.
Gum Injuries
Now gum injuries can both be physical as in sports related injury or other physical trauma or psychological like Bruxism. In case of physical injuries, the trauma resulting from the hit could result in instant painful swelling which could grow into more serious ones if not treated at the right time. But if it’s due to psychological conditions, the issue generally advances slowly and is characterized by many severe symptoms including headaches, jaw dislocation, gum bleeding, and even itchy gums.
Hormonal changes
According to recent studies, it has been found that women are more prone to having itchy gums than men due to the heightened hormonal changes their bodies go through during their lives. When going through menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and even menopause, the swift fluctuation in the hormone levels could impact the gums, resulting in tenderness and a weird feeling in the gums. This however is rather a case-by-case basis and doesn’t happen with all.
Allergies
Many-a-times if your body is going through an allergy attack, your gums may be the first initiation point of the whole ordeal. As gums are interconnected with many blood vessels, ingesting certain foods, seeds, medicines may start the reaction. This then gradually spreads over to the whole body, requiring a prescription for antihistamines to control the side-effects. Similarly, other allergies that could make your gums itchy include pet dander, plants, smells, etc.
Dry Mouth
Finally, an abnormally dry mouth may also make your gums itchy until further action is taken. It may happen in response to certain medications or could be a symptom of another underlying medical condition. So depending upon its longevity and frequency of occurrence, professional treatment may be required. The condition is relatively mild and is also treatable, thus there is nothing to worry about.
How to treat itchy gums at Home instantly?
Brushing and Flossing
Two of the most essential steps towards proper dental hygiene, brushing and flossing can also aid in relieving itchy gums for a few hours. To top it off, you can also add an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash. Thanks to the fresh tingly sensation and super antimicrobial properties, your mouth will thank you for the gift.
Salt water Remedy
Now the next best thing to get instant relief from itchy gums is to floss your mouth with salt water. Mixing one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of lukewarm water is enough to get a few hours break from the constant itching and related irritation. Known for its high antimicrobial capabilities, mixing salt with water aids efficient penetration of the concoction into the deepest nooks and crannies of your teeth.
However, before that you might want to make sure your gum has no exposed skin as contact with the salt water can aggravate the situation, causing you immense pain.
Sucking Ice Cubes
For immediate relief, sucking ice cubes also goes a long way and is highly advised for individuals with other physical traumas to the gum. The cold touch works wonderfully in alleviating the pain as well as the itchiness by numbing down the overactive senses of the infected gums. Moreover, this idea is also best for those who suffer from a chronic dry mouth as it can aid in offering essential hydration.
Taking an OTC Antihistamine
Antihistamines are a great way of getting rid of side-effects caused by allergic reactions. So, if you are sure the condition is due to any prevailing allergy, you could always take an over-the-counter histamine and enjoy a good day without having to rack your brains. But to be on the safer side, consulting with your doctor is a must as you never know what other things you might be allergic to.
Sipping green tea
Apart from being filled with tremendous detoxifying agents, green tea is also relatively a great option for getting comfort from gum issues, including inflammation and severe itchiness. With every sip, the antioxidants target the site, restricting further growth of the microbes, and thereby offering instant relief.
There are many other home remedies that you can find revolving around the internet, including baking soda, vinegar and what not. But, it is very crucial to remember that not all methods are as safe and effective as claimed by these sites. Therefore, in such a case, getting your doctor’s opinion is what’s BEST!!!
Simultaneously, you will also be required to be mindful of your dental hygiene habits or make a strict schedule to follow through every day. You can add:
- Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth twice a day
- Replacing the toothbrush every 3 months or when it starts to wear out
- Avoid too much caffeine, carbonated drinks, oily, greasy food
- Drink water plenty
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Using dental hygiene products every alternate week
- Booking a dentist appointment every 3-6 months
- Decrease sugar intake
- Clean your tongue properly
- Always use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash after brushing
Taking care of your gums and teeth is no rocket science but very essential for overall wellbeing. This is because everything we eat goes through our mouth and if the very start is unclean then the body automatically grows weaker and more prone to infections and other chronic medical conditions. For more information, you can visit a dentist in your area. A search for terms like “dentist near me Kissimmee fl” or “dentist in NY” should pull up a list of experts that you can check out.
