One of the most common dental concerns people face is discoloration on their gums. Whether it’s in the form of tiny spots or raised bumps, it can make alarm bells go off in your head, making you think of the worst-case scenario. However, not all cases of white spots on gums are weird. Sometimes, they’re benign, triggered by poor oral hygiene. Other times, they could be a precursor to an underlying health condition. Nevertheless, to find out what the white spots on your gums really mean and how you can get rid of them, keep reading this blog.
What Causes White Spots on Gums?
The thing with spots on gums is that they come in various shapes and sizes. They could either be hard and lumpy or look like intricate spider webs on your flesh. No matter the appearance, knowing what causes them is what’s important, as that helps you seek proper treatment. Mentioned below are some instances that lead to faded spots on your gums.
- Canker Sores
Canker sores might be tiny, but they pack quite a punch. They’re small ulcers that are white in color but have a red ring surrounding them. If the area stings and is tender to the touch, you’re probably dealing with a canker sore. They tend to grow on the gums, lips, and inside the cheek. Not to mention, canker sores typically go away in a week at most and are harmless. - Oral Thrush
Known to be a fungal infection of the mouth, oral thrush is a condition that usually affects your tongue. However, it can also spread to the gums, leaving behind small splotches of white that may or may not have a texture resembling cottage cheese. - Leukoplakia
At first glance, leukoplakia patches might look like dried toothpaste on your gums. But the closer you look, the more you will realize the marks are hard and cannot be cleaned. This isn’t something to worry about, though, since these spots go away on their own. - Oral Lichen Planus
If the white spots on your gums are shaped more like raised, intricate lines, you might be dealing with oral lichen planus. It’s a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the membranes inside your mouth. Consult your dentist immediately if you experience burning or pain associated with the spots. - Mouth Cancer
As rare as it may be, persistent white spots appearing on the inside of your mouth are a sign of oral cancer. If the marks refuse to go away or last longer than two weeks, rush to your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Tips to Prevent White Spots Growing on Your Gums
You can’t always prevent oral dilemmas from arising. However, with proper care and treatment, you might be able to build your immunity against such small infections. Here are some tips to follow:
- Brush your teeth and floss your gums every day.
- Use saltwater or an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
- Schedule bi-annual appointments with your dentist.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
- Maintain a healthy diet by cutting out excess sugar and starch.
- Regularly clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.
Long Story Short
White spots on gums aren’t dangerous. But if they don’t go away in two weeks or cause an uncomfortable reaction, contact Signature Smiles immediately at either of the following locations:
- Irving Location: 3654 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75062, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4715 - Plano Location: 5072 W Plano Pkwy Suite 270, Plano, TX 75093, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4755 - DeSoto Location: 726 N Hampton Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, United States
Contact Number: (469) 643-4155