Why is there a white spot on my gums, and what does it mean?!

Did you just wake up to find a sudden white spot glaring against your gums? Well, don’t go on to worry just yet. There are many ways this can be perceived, but not all the reasons are as scary. Ranging from canker sores to precancerous ailments, these specks of white consequently come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s a list of what they might look like:

• Hard, white bumps
• Intricate web-like formations
• Discolored patches
• Tiny flecks

5 Reasons Why Your Gums Might Have White Spots On Them

Rather than a definitive reason, the white spots on your gums could have multiple causes. With a wide range of triggers that linger, here are a few main ones:

Canker Sores

The most common type of reason is a Canker Sore, also known as Cold Sores. These oral ulcers might be small, but they pack quite a punch. Usually, they develop on the gums, inside the lip & cheek, as well as under the tongue. You can identify a canker sore by noticing these things:

• White ring with a yellowish middle
• Red brim around the spot
• Sharp and stinging pain
• Extreme tenderness

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia consists of small patches that may seem like dried toothpaste at first glance, but that is not the case. These patches can’t be scraped off or cleaned, yet since they’re harmless, they tend to go away on their own. However, if they remain for a long time, they may harden. In rare cases, leukoplakia with redness around its frame could be cancerous in nature. Here are some of its characteristics:

• White patches (variations in size)
• Can’t be cleaned
• Hardened surface
• Painless

Oral Lichen Planus

If you find raised, intricate outlines anywhere in your mouth, that might be Oral Lichen Planus. Being an autoimmune reaction, the web-like patches developed through oral lichen planus are usually raised. This can cause the area to quite often become red and painful. Here’s what you should also look out for:

• Intricate web-like design
• Raised patches
• Can go from white to red overtime
• Heightened sensitivity
• Extreme pain or burning sensation

Oral Thrush

In appearance, Oral Thrush resembles a combination of Oral Lichen Planus and Leukoplakia. Caused by the constant use of antibiotics, Oral Thrush might be the reason for those whitish indents on your gums. Moreover, these lesions also tend to affect children as well as the elderly. Thus, these are the signs you should watch out:

• Bad breath
• White or discolored patches
• Textured marks like cottage cheese
• Raised and red (sometimes)

Precancerous

In some cases, sudden discolored spotting can be a foretelling sign of cancer. However, that might not always be the reason. Therefore, it is better to consult a practicing professional to quell any doubts about your health and benefit, especially if the mark lasts longer than 14 days.

How To Prevent White Spots from Sprouting on My Gums

Want to change the outlook of your life and prevent any risks? Simply adopt the following habits and watch your dental health thrive.

• Brush your teeth twice every day.
• Every now and then, rinse and gargle with mouthwash.
• For routine checkups, schedule appointments with your dentist two times a year.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
• Floss daily, in-between meals.
• Maintain a healthy diet by eating more greens.
• Don’t forget to clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner.
• To prevent your mouth from drying out, stay hydrated.

Lastly…

To conclude, don’t forget that taking care of your oral hygiene comes first. A pesky white spot on your gums just might be a sign of a bad diet and dental health. Therefore, try and rid yourself of stress or any other harmful habits that there may be. In the end, for further assistance, give Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry a call at 281-937-7530.