When gums turn white, it often signals an underlying issue. While healthy gums are typically pink, any deviation can indicate various oral health conditions. This change in gum color is a common concern that can arise from different factors.
Understanding Healthy Gum Appearance
Healthy gums typically exhibit a consistent, coral-pink hue, though this can vary slightly based on an individual’s skin tone and genetics. They should appear firm and resilient to the touch, often displaying a stippled texture, similar to the surface of an orange peel. Healthy gum tissue fits snugly around the teeth, providing robust support without noticeable recession or pockets. Healthy gums should not bleed during regular brushing or flossing, indicating their integrity and proper attachment to the teeth.
Reasons Gums May Appear White
Gums can appear white due to various conditions, from temporary irritations to more significant medical concerns. Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast, manifests as creamy white, slightly raised patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks. These patches may resemble cottage cheese and can sometimes bleed if scraped.
Gingivitis and periodontitis, forms of gum disease, can lead to white gums, especially in severe cases where inflammation and infection are pronounced. Poor oral hygiene often contributes, causing gums to become irritated, swollen, and potentially recede, sometimes resulting in a pale appearance. Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are painful, typically round or oval lesions with a white or yellowish center and a red border that can form on the gums, making localized areas appear white.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that can cause white, lace-like patterns or patches inside the mouth, including on the gums. Leukoplakia presents as thick, white patches on the gums, inner cheeks, or tongue that cannot be easily scraped away. While most cases are benign, some forms of leukoplakia, particularly those mixed with red areas, can be precancerous or indicative of oral cancer.
Recent dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or teeth whitening, can cause temporary gum whitening. After an extraction, the site may appear white due to normal healing. Bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause chemical burns if they come into prolonged contact with gum tissue, leading to temporary white patches that usually resolve within hours to a few days. Chemical irritation from strong mouthwashes can also cause temporary whitening of the gums.
When to Seek Dental Care
Seek dental care if your gums turn white, especially if the discoloration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. Consult a dental professional if the white areas do not resolve within a few days or one to two weeks. Pain, bleeding, or swelling in the affected areas are indicators that professional evaluation is necessary. Difficulty eating or speaking, a fever, or if the white patches appear to be spreading, are additional red flags. If the white appearance is associated with other systemic symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue or changes in overall health, discuss these with a healthcare provider.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
A dental professional will begin diagnosis with a thorough visual examination and a review of your medical history. They may use an oral swab to test for fungal infections like oral thrush, or perform a biopsy if a suspicious lesion is present. Blood tests may be ordered to check for systemic conditions, such as anemia, which can contribute to pale gum appearance.
Treatment for white gums is tailored to the specific underlying cause. For fungal infections like thrush, antifungal medications are prescribed. Bacterial infections, such as severe gingivitis or periodontitis, may require antibiotics and professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Inflammatory conditions like oral lichen planus may be managed with corticosteroids. If leukoplakia or other potentially precancerous or cancerous lesions are identified, surgical removal may be recommended, while less severe cases, such as temporary irritation or minor trauma, often resolve with improved oral hygiene and avoiding irritants.