Did you notice white spots on your gums and are unsure what they are? If you notice white spots or bumps on your gums, this can be either a minor development that will heal on its own or could be a sign of a serious condition. Many different causes can make these spots appear on your gums. These causes range from mild issues to more severe health conditions. Moreover, these spots can be accompanied by other symptoms like discomfort or pain. They can appear individually or in a cluster. Let’s find out about the causes of white marks on gums so that you can make an informed decision about your oral condition.
WHAT CAUSES WHITE SPOTS ON GUMS?
The causes of white spots range greatly. They can be formed due to a mild issue or more serious health condition. These causes include canker sores, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and leukoplakia. Let’s talk further about each of these causes.
1. Canker Sores
Canker sores are one of the most common causes of white spots in your mouth. They are tiny, round-shaped ulcers that often go away on their own. These ulcers are often yellow or white from the center and have a red border. They may cause discomfort like a stinging or burning sensation, especially when you have an acidic drink. However, canker sores are typically harmless and heal within a week or two.
2. Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus causes white patches of bumps inside the mouth and gums. In some cases, these patches form painful marks or open sores. To get rid of these annoying patches, your dentist may use corticosteroids and other medications to reduce the burning sensation.
3. Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is another common cause of white spots on your gums. It occurs because of the accumulation of overgrown Candida fungus. It looks like creamy white or yellow spots, usually appearing on your gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof of your mouth. However, you can easily treat this issue with antifungal medication.
4. Leukoplakia
White spots on gums can also be caused by leukoplakia. They look like small white patches, often appearing on your gums, the bottom of the mouth, the insides of the cheeks, and the tongue. They may harden or thicken over time. You can’t really scrape them off. In some cases, leukoplakia can be precancerous. So your dentist will likely order a biopsy test to know more about it. Tobacco consumption is the common cause of this disease. So be sure to cut down on tobacco products.
Prevention is the key!
You can easily prevent white spots on the gums and their potential causes by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes cleaning your mouth regularly, avoiding products that contain tobacco and sodium lauryl sulfate, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist regularly.
Consult Our Dental Team!
Call our Pasadena dentist right away if you notice any unusual white spots or bumps on your gums. Our team of dental professionals will help determine whether these marks are cause for concern. Call us today at 281-299-0053 for more details.