White Spot on Gums: Causes and Treatments
Did you notice a white spot on your gums? Usually, it’s not a cause for worry. Knowing what that white spot is can help determine what caused it and how to treat it.
Monitoring the white spot and your other symptoms can help you and a medical professional find answers. Check if the white spot on your gums grows or multiplies.
Why Do I Have White Spots on My Gums?
There are various reasons why you may have a white spot on your gums. The following illnesses, infections, and conditions could explain the discoloration in your mouth.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are tiny lesions at the bottom of your gums. They can be quite uncomfortable if not downright painful. They’re also one of the most common causes of white spots on gums.
Canker sores start out as red bumps, but soon become white or yellowish at the center with redness around them.
Oral Thrush
Another common reason for white spots on your gums is oral thrush. This is a fungal infection in your mouth. The culprit behind oral thrush is an accumulation of Candida fungus.
It presents itself as creamy white or yellow lesions around your gums. But, they can also be on your tongue, inner cheeks, and even the roof of your mouth. The lesions of oral thrush may be sore and even bleed.
Oral Lichen Planus
If the white spot is a lace-like patch, it’s likely due to oral lichen planus. This is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membrane in your mouth. Usually, this is a painless condition, but it may develop into a painful sore.
Leukoplakia
Small white patches on your gums, on your tongue, in your cheeks, and at the bottom of your mouth could indicate leukoplakia. If so, the patches may thicken to the point where they can’t be scraped off.
Leukoplakia is benign in most cases, but it may be precancerous as well. If you notice that it’s speckled and the white patches have a red area around them, it may be precancerous. It’s definitely worth contacting a doctor about.
Injury
Hitting your gums by accident or brushing too hard can injure them. This can also form a white spot on your gums, kind of like a bruise. It’s important to monitor how well you’re healing.
Pregnancy
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can leave some women with bumps and white spots on their gums. If you’re pregnant and you notice this symptom, it’s best to be safe and inform a doctor.
Oral Cancer
White and velvety patches in your mouth can also be a sign of oral cancer. Lumps, bumps, soreness, loss of feeling, ear pain, and dramatic weight loss are also common symptoms of oral cancer. If you notice any of these along with your white patches, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
How to Treat a White Spot on Gums?
How you treat the white spots on your teeth depends on what caused them.
How to Treat Canker Sores
Canker sores usually disappear on their own within a few days. There are topical creams and over-the-counter medications that can help ease the pain. It’s also useful to avoid acidic and spicy foods.
How to Treat Oral Thrush
If you have oral thrush you need antifungal medication. This can be in the form of tablets, lozenges, or even mouth washes.
How to Treat Oral Lichen Planus
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to lower your inflammation. They may also give you topical numbing products to lessen the pain, and calcineurin inhibitors to treat your immune system responses.
How to Treat Leukoplakia
First, you need a biopsy to determine whether the leukoplakia is precancerous or not. Afterward, the doctor may remove the white spots with a scalpel, a laser, or a cryoprobe in a painless procedure.
Prevent White Spots on Your Gums
While white spots caused by accidental injury or pregnancy aren’t easy to avoid, there is definitely something you can do. The best way to prevent white spots on your gums is to practice and maintain proper oral hygiene. This can prevent a host of infections that could cause white spots, pain, or tooth loss.
These healthy habits can prevent white spots on your gums:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Don’t forget to floss and clean your tongue too as part of your oral hygiene routine
- Using mouthwash doesn’t hurt either
- Visit a dentist regularly for your routine checkups and cleanings
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and staying away from sugar
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Avoid stress to protect your immune system
Talk to a Doctor about the White Spot on Your Gums
As you can see, there’s a variety of reasons why you may have white spots on your gums. And every illness or condition needs its own treatment. The only person who can truly determine what causes your gum discoloration is a medical professional.
Luckily, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to talk to a doctor about the white spot on your gums. You can simply schedule a consultation with Carefree MD.
Our board-certified doctors can offer you quality medical advice on what’s causing your gum discoloration and offer you solutions. And all you need to talk to a doctor online is a Carefree MD Card.
Sign up for a Carefree MD Card and talk to a doctor online today!
The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.
