Wednesday, June 02, 2010

What does it mean if I have itchy gums?

This is question that patients sometimes ask during their 'allergy season'. When I examine there gums they usually look slightly redder than usual. This is thought to be due to an increase in the amount of eosinophils present in their gums (due to their allergic state). It has been said that the increased proportion of the eosonophils in the gums may be related to perceived itchiness. Also when patients are suffering with an allergy they have an increase in the amount of histamines released in tissues that cause itchiness.

Some medicines can cause itchiness and if the onset of this reaction coincides with a new medication a patient should consult their physician.

1 comment:

  1. I've been having itchy gums and a small amount of inflammation after my root canal. It has bee about 6 weeks and seems to be getting smaller but my gums throb when the gums swell up. I've had the root canal checked and it looks good. Could I still have residual infection in my gums. Is it possible to have inflammation this long after root canal. It's very annoying. Could I be allergic to the filling materials and if so will it go away or should I just have the tooth pulled?

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