It can be concerning to notice your gums appear white and experience discomfort. These symptoms often signal an underlying issue that warrants attention. While some causes might be minor and resolve on their own, others indicate conditions that require professional evaluation. Understanding the various reasons behind white and painful gums can help in recognizing when to seek help.
Inflammatory and Infective Conditions
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can make gum tissue red, swollen, and painful. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe infection damaging the bone supporting teeth. Advanced infection may lead to pus formation, appearing as white spots or discharge within inflamed gum tissue.
Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans overgrowth. It typically appears as creamy white lesions or patches on the tongue and inner cheeks, but can also affect gums. These patches can be painful and may bleed if scraped. It often occurs with a weakened immune system or after antibiotic use.
The herpes simplex virus causes oral herpes, leading to painful gum blisters. These blisters initially appear as small, fluid-filled white or yellowish sores before rupturing and crusting over. Affected gum areas become sensitive, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. This viral outbreak typically resolves within one to two weeks.
A dental abscess is a localized pus collection from a bacterial infection, often originating from a tooth or surrounding gum tissue. This infection causes severe throbbing pain, swelling, and a white, pus-filled lump or “pimple” on the gum near the affected tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing more widespread issues.
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), or “trench mouth,” is a severe bacterial gum infection. It causes extreme pain, bleeding, and a grayish-white film or pseudomembrane on the gum margins. ANUG is often associated with poor oral hygiene, stress, and a weakened immune system.
Trauma and Irritation
Physical gum injury can cause pain and temporary whiteness. Aggressive brushing, for example, can abrade gum tissue, causing it to blanch and become sensitive. Similarly, accidental cuts from sharp food or burns from hot liquids can result in localized white areas where tissue is damaged, with immediate discomfort.
Certain chemicals can irritate gums, leading to white and painful patches. Placing aspirin directly against a painful tooth, rather than swallowing it, can cause a chemical gum burn. This results in a distinct, often painful, white lesion. Strong or alcohol-based mouthwashes can also irritate sensitive gum tissue, causing temporary whiteness and soreness.
Temporary whiteness and soreness can occur after dental procedures. After a tooth extraction, the healing socket may appear white as new tissue forms, a normal part of healing associated with some post-operative pain. Professional teeth whitening, using bleaching agents, can cause temporary gum irritation, leading to localized white spots and sensitivity that typically resolve within a few days.
Specific Oral Lesions
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are common, painful oral lesions that can appear on the gums. These ulcers typically have a white or yellowish center with a red border. They vary in size and often cause significant discomfort, particularly when eating or speaking. Canker sores usually heal within one to two weeks.
Leukoplakia presents as thick, white patches on oral mucous membranes, including gums, that cannot be easily scraped off. These patches are usually painless but can be precancerous, potentially developing into oral cancer.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting skin and mucous membranes, including gums. It can appear as white, lacy patterns on gum tissue. It may also present as painful, red, swollen patches or open sores. Discomfort can vary from mild irritation to significant pain, especially with the erosive form.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Consult a dental professional if white and painful gum symptoms persist for more than a few days without improvement. Severe or worsening pain, especially if it interferes with daily activities, warrants prompt attention. Significant gum swelling or bleeding also indicates a need for professional evaluation.
Difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing due to gum discomfort suggests a more serious issue requiring a timely dental visit. A fever or general illness with gum symptoms, such as widespread pain or swelling, can signal a systemic infection. Any suspicious white patches on the gums that do not disappear, especially if firm or growing, should be examined by a dentist to rule out more serious conditions.