Are your teeth itchy? Anything from tooth damage to fungal pathogens might be responsible. Learn more about the common culprits behind itchy teeth and the home remedies to resolve them.

If you’ve recently been bitten by a bug, the area around the bite probably itches. If you have dandruff or head lice, your scalp may itch. But what does it mean if your teeth are itchy?

Having itchy teeth may be a sign of a more serious underlying dental issue. With an understanding of why your teeth might be itching, you can treat them at home or — if necessary — receive professional care from your dentist.

Why Are My Teeth Itchy?

Everything from tooth damage to fungal pathogens can cause itchy teeth. They may even start to feel itchy when you’re in pain or when your gums or any nearby tissues are itching. Here are some of the most common culprits behind itchy teeth.

Plaque

Plaque — the colorless, sticky, bacteria-containing film that coats teeth — can accumulate along your gum line. Plaque buildup can lead to calculus (or tartar), cavities, decay, gum disease, and even itchy teeth.

Gum Disease

If you allow plaque to accumulate on your teeth and under your gums, it may harden into tartar or lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, pain while chewing, and loose, sensitive, or itchy teeth.

Allergies

Allergies can cause everything from your nose to your eyes to itch, but did you know that your allergies can also cause your teeth to itch? If you have oral allergy syndrome, also known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), your throat, gums, and the roof of your mouth may swell and start to itch in response to certain foods. PFAS can also cause your teeth to feel itchy.

Teeth Grinding

Many believe that grinding or clenching is the reason for their itchy teeth, as this can wear the enamel down and increase tooth sensitivity. However, there is currently no solid evidence to support this phenomenon.

Infections

Sometimes, bacteria, viruses, fungal pathogens, or parasitic pathogens may be behind your itchy teeth. For example, the varicella-zoster virus not only causes shingles but can also cause odontalgia, or pain and itchiness in the teeth.

Tooth Damage

Everyday activities, such as playing sports, driving cars, and walking up or down stairs, can result in accidents that cause tooth damage. If a tooth’s structure, nerves, root, or pulp is damaged, your tooth may start to feel itchy as your body reacts to the injury.

A Recent Dental Procedure

If you’ve recently visited your dentist for a root canal, cavity filling, or wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist probably warned you that your teeth might feel itchy once you got home. After all, these dental procedures often involve altering your teeth, if not outright removing them, which your body may perceive as an injury. Therefore, it’s only natural that your affected teeth may start itching during the healing process.

What Are Some Home Remedies for Itchy Teeth?

Luckily, there are many home remedies for itchy teeth, including:

• Sucking on ice cubes: Sucking on ice cubes or a frozen popsicle can help diminish any itching in your teeth by reducing gum inflammation.
• Stopping smoking and chewing tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco are known to irritate gums, which can lead to itchy teeth.
• Avoiding certain foods: If allergies are behind the itchiness, simply avoid eating foods that irritate your mouth. If you’re unsure of which foods you are allergic to, your doctor may place you on an elimination diet, perform a skin prick test, or order a blood test to determine which foods are responsible for your symptoms.
• Reviewing the ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash: Sometimes, it may not be a food that you’re allergic to but an ingredient in your toothpaste or mouthwash, so it’s important to examine the list of ingredients in your dental products!
• Taking antihistamines: If you have seasonal allergies, consider taking an antihistamine. As the name implies, these medications reduce or block histamines (chemical compounds produced by your immune system that are responsible for causing itching, diarrhea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis in response to allergens), relieving you of allergy symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking any medications. 
• Brushing and flossing more frequently: Since plaque buildup is often responsible for itchy teeth and gums, eliminating plaque with thorough brushing and flossing can reduce or eliminate any itchy sensations.

When Should I See A Dentist?

Sometimes, the itching might go away on its own. For example, if you’ve recently undergone a dental procedure, the itch will likely naturally fade as your mouth heals. In some cases, home remedies can help relieve any itching sensations, but, in other cases, you may need to visit your dentist so they can assess the situation, repair your tooth, or suggest other treatment options.

If you are experiencing an itching sensation that’s accompanied by pain, bleeding, or tenderness, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you live in the Oklahoma City area, visit Espire’s office in Norman, Oklahoma. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!