Gum health is an important part of overall well-being, and changes in their appearance can signal underlying issues. Healthy gums are typically a uniform coral pink color and fit snugly around the teeth. When gums turn white, it indicates a departure from this healthy state, suggesting a potential problem that warrants attention.
Understanding Normal Gum Health
Healthy gum tissue is a coral pink color, though natural pigmentation can cause variations, such as a slightly darker tone in individuals with darker complexions. These tissues are firm to the touch and embrace the teeth securely, forming a protective seal. A shift from this typical appearance, particularly to a whitish shade, suggests an underlying condition.
Specific Conditions Causing White Gums
Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast naturally present in the mouth. This condition appears as creamy white, raised patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes the gums or tonsils. These patches resemble cottage cheese and may bleed if scraped or rubbed.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia causes thick, white patches on the gums, inner cheeks, or the floor of the mouth that cannot be easily scraped away. These patches can have smooth, wrinkled, or ridged surfaces and vary in shape. While often benign, some forms of leukoplakia, particularly those with red speckles or irregular shapes, can be precancerous.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that appears as white, lacy patterns, often on the inner cheeks, tongue, or gums. It can also appear as red, swollen areas or open sores, causing pain or discomfort. It is thought to involve an autoimmune response where immune cells attack the lining of the mouth.
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
Canker sores are small, shallow, painful lesions that can develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums. These sores have a white or yellowish center surrounded by a red border. While not contagious, they heal within one to two weeks but can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis (Severe Cases)
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene, leading to irritated, red, and swollen gums that may bleed. In severe cases, the gum tissue becomes pale or whitish due to tissue necrosis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which involves deeper infection and can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Trauma or Chemical Burns
Physical injury or chemical exposure can cause localized white areas on the gums. Burns from hot food or liquids, or contact with harsh chemicals like those in some teeth whitening products, cause the affected gum tissue to turn white. This whitening indicates a temporary reaction, and the tissue recovers within a few days.
Oral Cancer
Though less common, persistent white patches in the mouth can be a symptom of oral cancer. These lesions appear as white or reddish patches that do not heal, or as lumps or growths. Unlike some other conditions, oral cancer lesions can initially be painless, making regular self-examinations and professional check-ups important for early detection.
Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Care
White gums often appear alongside other symptoms, which can help pinpoint the underlying cause. These include:
Pain
Swelling
Bleeding of the gums
Sores
A cottony sensation in the mouth
Loss of taste
Bad breath
Difficulty chewing
A foul taste
It is advisable to seek professional dental or medical care if white patches on the gums persist for more than a week. Any accompanying symptoms such as pain, bleeding, persistent sores, or difficulty swallowing warrant prompt evaluation. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from worsening and is important to rule out more serious conditions like oral cancer.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing the cause of white gums begins with a thorough visual examination by a dentist, who also reviews your medical history. This initial assessment helps identify the appearance, location, and persistence of the white areas. Depending on the suspected condition, further diagnostic steps may include X-rays to assess bone health or a biopsy.
Management approaches vary significantly based on the diagnosis. For fungal infections like oral thrush, antifungal medications are prescribed. If leukoplakia is identified, treatment may involve removing the patches through freezing, laser therapy, or surgical excision.
Chronic conditions such as oral lichen planus often have no cure, but symptoms can be managed with topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Improved oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is recommended for gum diseases like gingivitis. For suspected oral cancer, a referral to a specialist for comprehensive treatment, which might involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, is arranged.