There are a range of different reasons why you might have an itchy tongue.
You have heard people say, “I’m allergic to fruit” and you probably roll your eyes. It turns out; some people may be telling the truth.
Oral Allergies
When certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts come in contact with areas of your mouth, they can cause itching and inflammation known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. Interestingly, we see many patients at Tindale Dental in Penrith. This condition is more likely to affect adults than children, and the severity can vary seasonally.
Majority of the time, no treatment is necessary for oral allergies as symptoms go away when you stop eating the problematic food. However, if the symptoms bother you, try eating the food cooked, and see if your body still reacts. Food may bother you raw yet; you can consume it with no issues cooked because heat destroys the allergens.
Although extremely rare, oral allergy symptoms may cause anaphylactic shock, so make sure you speak to your dentist and doctor about the allergy.
Other Reasons Your Mouth or Tongue Itch
If your itchy mouth doesn’t seem to be related to eating specific foods, there may be other reasons why your mouth or tongue feels itchy. Trauma, oral thrush, food sensitively, and even smoking can contribute to unusual sensations on your tongue. Read our blog, “Why does my tongue feel funny?” to learn more.
Preventing an Itchy Tongue
If you suffer from seasonal oral allergies, watch your diet, and practice good oral hygiene. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you might not be cleaning your tongue properly.
Although cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush is better than not cleaning it at all, using a tongue scraper is more effective. Debris, bacteria, and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time leading to bad breath while negatively impacting your oral health. Researchers found that tongue scrapers removed 30 percent more volatile sulphur compounds on the tongue than a toothbrush!
Overcoming an Itchy Tongue
Without a doubt, when it comes to oral health, prevention is key. Brush, floss, and scrape your tongue daily and equally important, visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups.
If you suspect you have an oral allergy syndrome, try to narrow down which food you react to. Inform your doctor and dentist of your allergy to ensure they are in the loop.
Lastly, if you are experiencing irritating itchiness in your mouth or on your tongue that does not seem to be caused by certain foods, contact your dentist for relief.
Tindale Dental is Here to Help
As always, the team of dentists at Tindale Dental in Penrith are dedicated to providing our patients safe, gentle, state-of-the-art comprehensive dental care. If you are suffering from any dental affliction, reach out to us, we can help. Call our friendly staff on (02) 4726 5400 to book an appointment.
We are open six days a week and have some evening appointments available.