Gums Turning White? Here’s What You Need To Know

Have you ever felt as if your gums have become pale and white? Of course, it might look quite peculiar and even somewhat concerning; still, it is not necessarily a problem. There are several causes for white gums: Some may be harmless while others may require intervention. Understanding the cause is the first step to keeping your smile healthy.

Also Read:- Gum Cysts In Children Vs. Adults: What You Need To Know

What Are White Gums?

White gums occur when the area around your teeth seems pale or presents white spots. They may also appear swollen, tender, or sometimes bleed. However frightening this may appear, white gums don’t necessarily indicate a major problem.

White gums are most likely temporary after a recent dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or teeth whitening. But In some cases, you may see that the whiteness persists and is followed by redness, swelling, and pain. That is when you should get a proper diagnosis and treatment to find out why this is occurring so that you can fix it.

Why Do I Have White Gums?

There are several reasons your gums might turn white. Some causes are temporary and harmless, while others might indicate a health problem. Here are some common reasons with their treatments:

1. Anaemia

Anaemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Without these cells, your body can’t carry enough oxygen to your tissues, making your skin and gums look pale or white. Other symptoms of anaemia include feeling very tired, dizzy, or cold.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for anaemia depends on its cause. If it’s because of a lack of iron or vitamins, eating foods rich in iron (like spinach or beans) or taking supplements can help. Severe anaemia might need medical treatments like blood transfusions.

2. Canker Sores

Canker sores are very small ulcers within the mouth. They can be on your gums, tongue, or even cheek. These sores may sometimes make the gums around them look white. They usually occur as a result of stress, minor injury in the mouth, or other foods. 

Treatment Options:

Canker sores normally take about a week or two to heal. To ease the pain you can gargle with warm water and salt or use any over-the-counter gel or mouthwash. If they do not, you should see your dentist.

3. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an infection in the gums that is caused by the accumulation of a sticky film known as plaque. It causes redness, inflammation, and occasionally, a white appearance on your gum. If left untreated, it may result in other severe forms of gum diseases such as periodontitis which are dangerous to your teeth and gums.

Treatment Options:

The best defense against gingivitis is good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, and go to your dentist for cleanings. For serious cases, it might require deep cleaning or even surgery.

4. Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia leads to the development and formation of thick white patches in your gums or any other region of your mouth. It is commonly associated with irritation caused by smoking, or the use of poor-fitting dentures. Many are non-threatening; yet, some could potentially be a sign of oral cancer.

Treatment Options:

Visit your dentist if you have a patch that does not disappear. He or she may advise one to remove the patch or perform tests to check whether cancer is present.

5. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that produces white patches in your mouth, including your gums. This can occur if your immune system is weakened, you are taking antibiotics, or you wear dentures that are not cleaned regularly.

Treatment Options:

Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medicines. You should also keep your mouth clean and work on the root cause, such as poor hygiene of dentures or a weakened immune system.

6. Dental Procedures

If you’ve recently had dental treatments like teeth whitening, tooth extractions, or gum surgery, it’s normal for your gums to look white temporarily. This happens because the gums are healing or reacting to the treatment.

Treatment Options:

In most cases, the whiteness will disappear when your gums begin to recover. If it doesn’t resolve within a few days, then you should consult your dentist to check that everything is fine.

Other Possible Causes:

• Injury: Sometimes, you might accidentally bite your gums or consume some type of hard food, and you’ll notice that your gums turn white as they heal.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: If brushing and flossing are not done then you can have gum issues like white colored patches or spots.
• Teeth Grinding: Clenching or grinding also puts stress on the muscles attached to your jaws, and when this pressure is applied to your gums, they may likely change color or become sensitive.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums

To avoid gum problems, here are some easy tips:

• Brush your teeth twice each day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove food from between your teeth and plaque.
• Using an antibacterial mouth rinse will help keep your gums clean.
• Regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco because of the harm it causes to your gums.

When to See a Dentist

You should visit your dentist if:

• Your gums remain white for more than some days.
• You have other symptoms like pain, swelling, or bleeding.
• White patches do not disappear on their own.
• You have difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing.

Conclusion

White gums can be attributed to various causes such as canker sores, gingivitis, or even leukoplakia. In some cases, they are just a temporary reaction to dental work. Whatever the cause, it’s always important to pay attention to your gums and visit a dentist if the problem doesn’t go away. 

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