Itchy gums are a relatively common condition that can impact persons of all ages for a variety of reasons. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, which serves Canada's capital and its surrounding regions, invites existing and prospective patients to read this brief blog offering an overview of this oral condition.

Causes
Itchy gums can be precipitated by several different causes ranging in severity from mild ailments that often dissipate on their own accord to more significant maladies that require treatment from a dental or medical professional. Known causes for itching gums include but are not necessarily limited to:

- Buildup of Plaque: Plaque is a thick, sticky substance comprised of the numerous bacteria found in and around the mouth, teeth and gums and remnants of the foods people readily consume. Over time, plaque can accumulate on the teeth and inside the gums and precipitate symptoms like itching. If not properly eliminated, the substance might also lead to more serious dental and gum disorders.
- Allergies: Nasal allergies could impact one's teeth and gums. Additionally, allergic reactions to certain foods may also elicit manifestations like inflammation and itching.
- Gum Trauma: Sudden injury or damage could precipitate a host of oral symptoms of which itching could be amongst.
- Gum Diseases: Gum maladies such as gingivitis and periodontitis can yield uncomfortable occurrences like itching. These are significant oral care ailments that could result in serious gum disease or tooth loss if not properly addressed. In many instances, itchy gums could be an early sign.
- Teeth Grinding: Known in professional dental terms as bruxism, teeth grinding could precipitate gum irritation resulting in itching.
- Hormonal Imbalances: A change in systemic concentrations of various hormones might produce dental problems such as itchy gums. Amongst the more common hormonally based oral care issues is the life event impacting women known as menopause.
- Post-Gum Surgery: Occasionally, portions of the gums that were subjected to surgical procedures might remain irritated. Said irritation could yield untoward manifestations like itching.

Associated Signs and Symptoms
The specific associated physical manifestations those with itchy gums might experience will depend upon the exact underlying condition and said malady's severity. That said, common symptoms that might accompany itchy gums include bleeding, pain, heat and cold sensitivity, dry mouth, difficulty chewing or eating and swelling.

Diagnosis
On certain occasions, such as in the presence of obviously discernible conditions like plaque buildup, an oral care professional can make a quick diagnosis. However, at other times, diagnostic tools such as dental X-rays might be required. Should gum itching be the result of some type of medical condition, said malady might necessitate diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

Potential Treatment Options
The specific treatment initiated by an oral care professional will depend upon the specific issue and said malady's severity. That said, remedial efforts often include:

- Plaque Removal: During this procedure, a dentist uses tools to scrape away existing collections of plaque.
- Teeth Guards: Said protective devices could prevent teeth and gums from sustaining damage or injury that might induce symptoms like itching.
- Anti-Grinding Devices: Should gum itching be attributed to the irritation caused by teeth grinding, the individuals in question could be fitted with devices that deter such behavior.
- Allergy Medications: If gum itching is symptomatic of a diagnosed allergic condition, medications like antihistamines and other allergy-suppressing medications could provide relief.
- Gum Surgery: In the presence of severe gum maladies like periodontitis, gum surgery to remove or repair damage teeth and gums might prove effective in alleviating associated symptoms like itchy gums.
- Self-Remedies: Sometimes, home remedies like rinsing with salt water might reduce incidents of itching.

Prevention
Individuals might be able to prevent itchy gums by following preventative measures including:

- Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: Arguably, the most direct and effective method of avoiding specific dental care maladies is to practice good oral hygiene. Attaining this goal means brushing at least twice per day, flossing following meals and obtaining routine dental checkups.
- Consuming A Healthy Diet: Conditions that precipitate itchy gums may be avoided by consuming a healthy diet free of sugary, acidic or spicy foods.
- Avoiding Potentially Detrimental Vices: Certain potentially bad habits such as cigarette, pipe and cigar smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol intake could prove detrimental to oral health. It is strongly encouraged to significantly cut back or eliminate such vices altogether.

Contacting Us
Individuals who are experiencing itchy gums are encouraged to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in Ottawa. Contact us today to book an appointment where our experienced staff of trained dental professionals can help identify the underlying cause and formulate the most optimal treatment plan.