White Gums: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Spots and Lumps

White spots or bumps on your gums? An abnormal coloration of the oral mucosa can have multiple origins, often benign, but sometimes more concerning. Discover the main causes of white gums and how to react.

The Different White Lesions of the Gum and Their Symptoms

Several types of conditions can manifest as white spots or a whitish discoloration of the gums, cheeks, tongue, or palate:

• Canker Sores: Small, painful ulcerations with a white-yellowish center, usually healing in 10 to 14 days.
• Leukoplakia: Persistent, hardened white patches, often linked to tobacco use, which should be monitored as they can be precancerous.
• Candidiasis (Thrush): A fungal infection resulting in white lesions, redness, and a burning sensation (common in babies and immunocompromised individuals).
• Cysts: A white-yellowish lump at the root of an infected tooth, initially painless but can evolve into a painful abscess.
• Stomatitis: Diffuse inflammation of the mucosa with whitish ulcerations, of viral, fungal, or iatrogenic (treatment-related) origin.
• Gingivitis: Red, swollen gums with whitish deposits (plaque) and bleeding, linked to poor dental hygiene.

What to Do About White Gums: How to React

If you notice the appearance of white spots or an abnormal white coloration on your gums, schedule an appointment with a dentist promptly. Indeed:

• Only a clinical examination can determine the origin of the problem and rule out an underlying pathology.
• An appropriate treatment can be implemented to eliminate the infection, inflammation, or lesion.
• Regular follow-up will be established to monitor the evolution and prevent recurrences.

How to Prevent and Treat White Gums

The management of white gums depends on its cause. The dentist may prescribe, depending on the case:

• An anti-infective treatment (antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic) in case of candidiasis, stomatitis, or a dental abscess.
• A scaling or root planing to remove the bacterial plaque responsible for gingivitis.
• A biopsy of suspicious lesions (leukoplakia, lichen planus) to rule out a precancerous or cancerous process.

FAQ

What diseases cause white gums?

The main pathologies involved are fungal infections (candidiasis), gingivitis, allergies, certain chronic inflammatory diseases (lichen planus), and more rarely, precancerous lesions (leukoplakia). An iron deficiency (anemia) can also lead to pale gums.

Are white gums painful?

Some lesions causing white gums can be painless initially (leukoplakia, early gingivitis). However, they generally evolve towards discomfort and then pain (canker sores, ulcerations, abscesses). A change in gum color should always be checked by a professional.