White Spots On Gums: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Summary

White spots on gums can show up for different reasons and the causes vary. If you have white spots on your gums monitor your signs and symptoms and notice what other discomfort is happening in your mouth. White spots on your gums can indicate canker sores, oral thrush, oral lichen planus, leukoplakia and other infections. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist right away if you notice white spots on your gums. They can properly diagnose and inform you of the best treatment. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to some conditions that cause white spots on gums, but many potential causes are unrelated to hygiene. Improve your brushing and flossing habits to improve your overall gum health, including treating white spots on gums.

White spots can form on gums and can mean different things. You'll want a dentist or dental hygienist to evaluate your signs and symptoms to give you a proper diagnosis. Taking care of your oral hygiene can help prevent white spots from forming. White spots may heal on their own or may need more medical attention. Read on to learn more about what white spots may mean and how Oral-B recommends treating white spots on the gums or avoiding white spots with proper oral care!

White Spots on Gums

While white spots on the gums can sometimes be related to oral hygiene, they are often a sign of other underlying health conditions. More serious white spots that may be cancerous don’t go away and may become irritating. If you see any signs of white spots or have discomfort in your mouth it is always best to visit your dentist or dental hygienist and get a proper diagnosis and treatment. White spots may be a symptom of canker sores, oral thrush, oral lichen planus, leukoplakia and other infections.

White spots on the gums may indicate:

• A canker sore - If it’s painful or has a white or yellow center.
• Leukoplakia - If the white spots are thicker or more like painless white or gray patches it may be a sign and symptom of leukoplakia. Some leukoplakia can be a sign of increased risk of developing oral cancer.
• Oral thrush – Caused by the overgrowth of candida albicans and may appear as thick patches that can be wiped off.
• Oral lichen planus – An inflammatory condition that can create a lace-like network of white lines or patches in the mouth. It is not contagious.

White Spots on Gums Causes

You can have white spots on your gums show up for different reasons. However, your oral hygiene routine and how you care for your teeth and gums impact what other conditions may show up. Monitoring your gum health and oral health can prevent bigger issues from developing. Causes of white spots on gums:

• Poor oral hygiene can contribute to an environment where certain oral conditions that present with white spots are more likely to develop.
• Sometimes certain foods may lead to the development of white spots, which may go away on its own.
• Irritation from other dental procedures or appliances, such as a retainer.
• Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes gum inflammation. This irritation may make the gums more susceptible to other issues, though it does not directly cause white spots.

Signs and Symptoms of White Spots on Gums

Signs of having white spots on your gums can look different depending on the cause, your oral hygiene routine and what condition maybe developing with the white spots. The thickness of white spots and whether they can be swiped away can indicate different conditions. Pain and burning sensation may also be a symptom of having white spots on your gums. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist if you see any formation of white spots on your gums!

White Gums Treatment

Seeking treatment right away when white spots show up on the gums or around the teeth is imperative. Getting to a dentist or dental hygienist right away can prevent other symptoms from showing up in your mouth and can help improve the condition. Ultimately, your dental professional will need to evaluate what’s going on in your mouth and gum and inform you how to treat white gums. Here are a few treatment options that maybe recommended, depending on what the diagnosis is:

• Rinse with warm salt water – works better for canker sores and less serious conditions.
• Improve your diet – limit alcohol or tobacco usage and other irritants or acidic foods.
• Antifungal medicine – may be prescribed to help conditions like oral thrush.
• Stress management – consider making changes to your lifestyle and confronting underlying stress.

White Spots on Gums Pictures

White spots and white gums can mean different things and be a sign of different oral conditions. Consult your dental professional if you have white spots similar to these pictures:

Oral Hygiene Tips to Help Gum Health

Healthy gums are crucial to tooth and mouth health. In the event of gum disease (also known as gingivitis), the first line of defense is to see a dental professional. They can do a proper examination, determine the level of periodontal disease, and recommend treatments. But there are things you can do to help.

• Oral-B iO electric toothbrushes help protect your teeth and gums. Studies show they can be more effective at improving gum health than manual toothbrushes. For those with advanced gum issues like periodontitis, an Oral-B iO toothbrush with brushing app has been shown to enhance disease management when used as part of a comprehensive care plan.
• Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste is formulated with stannous fluoride. Use with an Oral-B iO toothbrush so the ingredients in the paste can reach along the gumline to help neutralize plaque bacteria for 24 hours (with twice-daily brushing), giving you healthier gums.
• Brush heads like Oral-B iO Gentle Care brush heads feature up to 4,000 ultra-thin bristles for a gentle, effective clean. When paired with an Oral-B iO toothbrush, the brush head's micro-vibrations help loosen plaque. Additionally, the smart pressure sensor located in the iO handle helps protect you from brushing too hard.
• Rinsing with a mouthwash like Crest Pro-Health Clinical is clinically proven to provide 24-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis with twice-daily use.
• Glide Floss removes plaque between teeth and helps prevent gingivitis as part of a complete dental plan.