Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a strange change of color in your gums, wondering, “Why are my gums white?” You’re not alone! Many people have white or pale gums but are unaware of its cause. White gums can be a sign of underlying health problems that need to be addressed, but they are not always a reason for concern.
Causes of White Gums
Here are a few potential reasons why your gums have become white:
1. Canker Sores
Painful ulcers that form within your mouth are called canker sores. They may appear at the base of your gums, beneath your tongue, or within your cheeks. They hurt to the touch, and eating and drinking might make them worse.
The cores of these lesions are either white or yellow. They may cause your gums to seem white if they form near the base of them. However, if your whole gum line is white, you can be certain that canker sores aren’t the cause of your white gums.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes your gum to bleed, swell, and become red. In certain cases, gingivitis can also result in the gums becoming white and receding. The gums may start to separate from the teeth as the infection worsens, revealing the underlying root structure. The gums may seem whiter or paler as a result of this recession. In extreme situations, the gums may totally recede, exposing the tooth roots and making them susceptible to infection and decay.
3. Oral Thrush
This is caused by an excessive amount of Candida fungus growing in the mouth. Oral thrush causes creamy white or yellow patches to develop on your tongue, cheeks, gums, or roof of your mouth. It may exhibit the following symptoms in addition to white gums:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Taste loss
- Pain at the corner of your mouth or within it
4. Anemia
Anemia is a disorder that causes the body to produce less red blood cells. The transportation of oxygen throughout your body’s tissues and organs depends on these kinds of blood cells. Anemia causes a shortage of oxygen, which causes pale skin. Your gums may also be impacted by this. In addition to having white gums, anemia causes your skin to seem generally paler.
5. Leukoplakia
Another illness that can make parts of your gums look white is leukoplakia. It can cover your tongue, gums, and the insides of your cheeks in thick, white spots. The main cause of Leukoplakia is lifestyle choices that often result in oral irritation, for instance, smoking and chewing tobacco.
6. Lichen Planus in the Mouth
A coating of web-like, slightly elevated white threads forms throughout the mucous membranes of the gums in a person with oral lichen planus. Topical corticosteroids or systemic steroids can be used to treat cases of erosive oral lichen planus that involve ulcers or open sores.
Summing Up!
If your gums have become white and you’re wondering about the cause of it, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. It may indicate a number of underlying medical concerns, from minor ones involving oral hygiene to more severe systemic disorders.
For further queries, visit Aava Dental. Call (818) 792-4500 to book your appointment.