White gums
What does this mean?
Healthy gums are pink in color. A discoloration of the gums is a serious indication that you have something among the members. This can indicate an inflammation of the gums, a disease somewhere in your body, oral cancer or a lifestyle that needs to be adjusted. In this article we discuss the 5 possible causes of white gums.
White gums causes
Having white gums indicates something. This is a symptom of one of the following causes:
- Leukoplakia
- Fungal infection in the mouth
- Canker sores
- Necrosis gums
- Wound healing
We will all explain these causes of white gums in this article.
Leukoplakia
Do you suffer from a white, thick area on the gums? Then this can sometimes be leukoplakia. These white spots are located on the oral mucosa. What is characteristic of leukoplakia is that you cannot scrape these white spots away from your gums. The cause of leukoplakia can be found in one of the following:
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Poorly fitting bracket
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Smoking
Smoking is simply bad for your teeth. There is not only a link with leukoplakia but also with periodontitis and inflamed gums. Your gums suffer from smoking a lot.
Leukoplakia often heals itself. Stopping smoking and using alcohol give your gums time to recover. If a poorly fitting denture or braces is the cause, this must of course be adjusted to make the complaints disappear.
Although this often heals independently, leukoplakia can be a sign of oral cancer. It is therefore wise that you always visit a dentist when you suffer from white gums. The dentist can determine the actual cause.
White gums: fungal infection in the mouth
Do you suffer from white gums and white spots on the tongue? Then this may indicate a fungal infection in the mouth. These white spots can be scraped away, but then you are left behind with red, poor spots that are also painful. The cause of a fungal infection in the mouth can be:
- Unkempt teeth
- Dentures that do not fit well or that are not removed during the night
- Use too much antibacterial mouthwash
- Dry mouth
Fortunately, fungal mold can be treated well. A doctor can help you with antifungal tablets. These also exist in the form of drops. Babies in particular can suffer from mouth fungus. This can be very annoying. They can refuse food and it can be painful. With babies we speak of thrush.
Canker sores
Mouth ulcers often start as blisters. As soon as these break down, they become painful sores. The sores are white and have a red border. You will usually find ulcers on the inside of the lips, cheeks or under the tongue. Around 25% of Dutch people sometimes suffer from aft. Canker sores are most common in people between 30 and 40 years.
The causes of ulcers can be found in:
- Stress
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Iron deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- Hypersensitivity to some nutrients
- Lower resistance
- Hormonal changesDamage to the soft tissue
Canker sores disappear again. Usually after a day or seven. It is very annoying because it makes eating and drinking more difficult. Fortunately it is not a condition with far-reaching consequences.
Necrosis gums
White gums can also indicate necrosis gums. That is, in fact, tissue strength. This can only occur if you have recently undergone surgery to the jaw or mouth. In extreme cases, however, this can also indicate a severe gum infection. You must visit a dental hygienist to treat a gum infection. They can make your inflamed gums healthy again thanks to professional dental cleaning, for example, but sometimes it may also be necessary to expose the gums.
Wound healing
After a treatment for your gums, white gums can also indicate healing. The difference between necrosis gums and wound healing is that white gums that feel dry are wound healing. Necrosis gums will be mushy or slimy.
