Healthy gums appear pink and firm. When their color changes, especially to white, it can signal an underlying issue. This discoloration can range from a temporary response to irritation to a more significant health concern.
Common Causes of White Gums
A common reason for gums to appear white is gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by inadequate oral hygiene and plaque buildup. This bacterial infection can lead to inflammation and cause the gums to become pale or recede. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing.
Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, is another common cause. This yeast infection, caused by the fungus Candida albicans, produces creamy white, raised patches that can resemble cottage cheese in the mouth or on the gums. These patches may spread from the lining of the mouth to the gums and tongue, potentially causing soreness or bleeding if scraped.
Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are painful lesions that can develop on the gums. These appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center surrounded by a red border. While they can make specific areas of the gumline look white, they do not affect the entire gum color.
Anemia, a lack of healthy red blood cells, can cause gums to appear pale or white. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body’s tissues. When there aren’t enough, tissues like the gums may not receive sufficient oxygen, leading to a faded or whiter hue. This can be due to deficiencies in iron or vitamin B-12, or other medical conditions.
White gums can also be a temporary side effect following certain dental procedures. For instance, after a tooth extraction, the treated area and surrounding gums might appear white due to tissue trauma or the formation of granulation tissue. Temporary blanching can also occur after in-office teeth whitening treatments due to the chemicals used, with gums returning to their normal color within hours. Stress and anxiety may also contribute to temporary paleness due to their effects on blood circulation.
Serious Conditions Indicated by White Gums
Beyond common issues, white gums can signal more serious underlying conditions requiring prompt medical evaluation. Leukoplakia manifests as thick, white patches on the gums, inner cheeks, or tongue that cannot be easily scraped off. While most cases are benign, some forms, especially those mixed with red areas (speckled leukoplakia), have the potential to become precancerous or cancerous. Tobacco use is strongly suspected as a cause.
Oral Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the mouth, often presenting as lace-like white patterns on the cheeks, tongue, or gums. It can also appear as red patches or painful sores. This condition is not contagious, and while its exact cause is not fully understood, it is thought to involve an immune response.
Persistent white patches on the gums can also be a sign of oral cancer. These patches might be white, red, or a mixture of both (erythroleukoplakia), and can be flat, thin, or appear as small bumps. Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and throat.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a dentist or doctor if white patches on the gums persist for more than a few days or do not resolve within one to two weeks. Evaluation is important if the white areas are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These can include pain, bleeding, or difficulty eating or swallowing.
Additional warning signs include white gums associated with other systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss. Any white area that rapidly changes in size, texture, or appearance, or that feels thickened or hardened, should also be examined by a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
When evaluating white gums, a healthcare professional will begin with a thorough oral examination, visually inspecting the affected areas and reviewing the patient’s medical history. This helps identify potential contributing factors such as medications, hormonal changes, or lifestyle habits.
To pinpoint the underlying cause, various diagnostic tests may be performed. A biopsy, involving the removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis, may be conducted for suspicious lesions like leukoplakia to rule out precancerous or cancerous changes. Blood tests can help detect systemic conditions such as anemia or nutritional deficiencies. Fungal cultures may be used to confirm infections like oral thrush.
Treatment approaches for white gums vary significantly based on the diagnosis. For infections such as oral thrush, antifungal medications in the form of rinses or tablets are prescribed. Bacterial gum infections like gingivitis are managed with improved oral hygiene practices, professional cleanings (scaling and root planing), and sometimes antibiotics.
Conditions like anemia may be addressed through dietary adjustments, vitamin supplements (e.g., iron, B12), or management of underlying inflammatory diseases. For conditions like leukoplakia or oral cancer, treatment might involve surgical removal of lesions, laser therapy, or cryotherapy (freezing). Oral lichen planus requires corticosteroids or other medications to manage symptoms, as there is no cure.
Maintaining Gum Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for preventing gum issues and promoting overall gum health. This includes brushing teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing is also recommended to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, areas that toothbrushes may miss.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for early detection and removal of tartar, which can contribute to gum disease. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, supports general health and can help prevent vitamin deficiencies that might affect gum tissue. Avoiding tobacco products and limiting excessive alcohol consumption are beneficial, as these can irritate gums and increase the risk of various oral health problems. Managing any existing systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, contributes to improved gum health.