Poor oral hygiene and most dental problems can have a considerable impact on the gums. There are instances wherein they may feel itchy, and it’s something that can leave you irritated and even keep you from having a normal day. Certainly, recurring gum itchiness needs to be checked by a dentist. More often than not, it is due to some serious dental issues such as gingivitis and gum injuries. Sometimes it is caused by bad dental fillings, allergies, hormonal imbalance and burning mouth syndrome — which something that’s more common in people wearing dentures.
Before you could have the opportunity to step foot in the office of your trusted dentist, you may opt for the following home remedies that are proven to help provide relief from gum itching:
Drink a Glass of Cold Water
Reach for a glass of cold water at the first sign of gum itchiness. The cold has mild anesthetic properties, allowing you to attain much-needed relief from the problem. Consider opting for distilled water because your itchy gums may be due to irritated gums caused by some impurities found in your preferred drinking water.
Suck on Some Ice Chips
Place some ice chips in your mouth when your gums start acting up — and let them stay there until they completely melt. Again, this solution for gum itchiness numbs the nerves because of the cold. Opting for an ice pop may also be done, although the sugar in it may aggravate the situation especially if it’s due to bacteria in the mouth.
Rinse with Saltwater
Saltwater is not only good at relieving sore throat, but also gum itching. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a glass of water. Rinse your mouth with it for about half a minute, paying special attention to the affected part of your mouth. Refrain from swallowing saltwater so you should spit it out afterwards.
Gargle with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known wound disinfectant, and it’s also something that can be beneficial for those with gum itchiness due to inflamed or irritated gums. All you have to do is combine equal amounts of distilled water and 3% hydrogen peroxide, and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds. Remember to spit it out.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel
If you have an aloe vera plant somewhere in your lawn or backyard, congratulations! You have easy access to something that can cure a number of health problems, and it includes itchy gums. Break off a leaf and obtain the gel within. Apply the gel directly on the trouble spot. Avoid drinking water or rinsing your mouth for a few minutes.
Rely on Baking Soda Paste
Most home remedy listings on the internet won’t be complete without mentioning baking soda. Yes, that white powder that’s popularly used for relieving acid reflux, discolored teeth and even foot odor can be used to treat gum itchiness. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of baking soda, and apply the resulting paste on the itchy part of your gums.
Avoid Certain Foods
When your gums are itching, the last thing you want to do is aggravate the situation. This is the reason why it’s a good idea for you to momentarily avoid consuming anything that’s acidic — from a glass of orange juice to pasta with tomato-based sauce. Definitely, consuming spicy foods is a terrible idea.
These are some of the things that you may do in order to attain relief from gum itchiness. Just like what’s mentioned before, it is a good idea to visit your dentist most especially if the problem is the chronic kind. Dealing with the root source is still the best remedy for that irritating gum problem you have.
