The gum is a fibrous mucosa that lines the base of the teeth to protect the root and nerves of the teeth from all kinds of microbes. A healthy gum can be identified thanks to its pale pink color immediately, and changes in its tone are usually a sign of disease. Depending on an individual’s health condition, dental hygiene, and racial pigmentation, gums appear red, black, and white.
When the gums turn pale, with whitish spots, or have inflammation, it is essential to look for the cause of the symptom because, although in some cases it is not a significant problem, there is a risk that this condition is caused by a disease that requires attention. Many factors and states can lighten the color of your gums; for this reason, at FastlyHealwe have prepared this article on white gums: causes.
Table of Contents
Bacterial plaque: white spots on the gums
The plaque is a colorless film composed of large amounts of sugars and bacteria. Once this substance is formed, it adheres to the teeth, which is why it represents the first cause of cavities and gum disease. If this plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it will accumulate on the teeth until it becomes tartar.
Poor dental hygiene can cause excess plaque to cause whitish spots on the gums and inflammation around the tooth. The accumulation of plaque is one of the leading causes of white gums and also one of the most specific conditions to avoid if we practice the following care:
- Brush gently at least twice a day to remove plaque adhering to the teeth.
- Use dental floss after brushing to remove plaque between and under the teeth, areas where the brush’s bristles do not reach.
- Avoid consuming sugar and starchy foods in excess, as they are the main precursors of plaque formation.
- Visit the dentist twice a year for deep dental cleaning.
Painful white gum: Canker sores
Canker sores or mouth ulcers can appear due to various factors, such as misplaced dental prostheses, accidental biting, a broken tooth, low defenses, suffering from hormonal problems, wearing braces, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When these ulcers form on the gums, they look like a white blister or spot that is usually very painful and bothersome when talking or chewing food.
Canker sores usually go away on their own after a few days, but if they don’t, it’s essential to visit your doctor to examine the lesion. If you think this condition causes your white gums, we recommend gargling warm salt water to reduce pain and speed recovery. It is also essential to avoid consuming hot drinks and citrus or spicy foods.
Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus and usually affects people with weakened immune systems. Whitish plaques recognize this fungal infection on the gums that usually appear first on the inside of the cheeks and the tongue and then spread to the gums and down to the throat. Thrush usually causes pain when swallowing, bleeding from the lesions, and dry mouth.
Candidiasis must be treated with antifungal drugs prescribed by a medical specialist. It is essential to be very careful when brushing your teeth, as you must avoid breaking or scraping the lesions.
Oral lichen planus
Another cause of white gums can be this infection, which is recognized by the appearance of a whitish rash in the mouth that mainly affects the gums, the inside of the cheeks, and the tongue. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but it is associated with some allergic reactions or failure in the immune system.
Oral lichen planus lesions appear bluish-white, and lines may be evident in their texture. This condition can cause painful mouth ulcers with a metallic taste like blood if not treated in time. Use of antihistamines, vitamin A, and sedative mouthwashes are prescribed to treat this condition.
Anemia ferropénica
Iron – deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by iron deficiency in the blood, which causes a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells in the fluid. One of the most common symptoms among anemic people is pale, swollen, and bleeding gums due to poor oxygenation of body tissues.
Other signs of this type of anemia are:
- Soft spot
- tiredness
- confusion
- dizziness
- headache
- Vertigo
- low blood pressure
- pale skin
This hematological condition needs to be treated by a medical specialist who offers the appropriate treatment according to the individual’s health status. People with chronic anemia must take iron supplements and eat a special diet. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will tell you which foods are rich in iron.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to White gums: causes, we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.