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White spots on gums can be caused by various factors, including leukoplakia, salivary gland inflammation, bone growths, cysts, canker sores, and even oral cancer. A dentist can evaluate the spots and recommend treatment options, including biopsy if necessary. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
There are a number of potential explanations for white spots on the gums, and evaluation by an oral health professional is usually needed to determine if the spots are cause for concern. Causes can range from oral cancers to allergic reactions. If a dentist believes that the white spots on the gums are potentially malignant, a biopsy may be recommended to find out more. Patients should be advised that a request for a biopsy does not necessarily mean the spots are dangerous, it is just a precautionary step to rule out malignant causes.
Often, the white spots on the gums take the form of leukoplakia, the development of white spots on the mucous membranes. This is often related to tobacco use. It can also be a sign of Candida yeast infection, an allergic reaction, or a reaction to bleaching chemicals used to whiten teeth. A dentist can evaluate the spots to determine likely causes. Medications can be used to treat yeast infections, and if the cause appears to be an allergy, adjusting your diet, switching oral health products, or stopping a teeth whitening program can resolve the white spots.
Inflammation of the salivary glands can sometimes cause white patches on the gums. The gums may also appear reddish and inflamed. Another cause is the development of bone growths in the jaw. The gums are not actually white, but appear to be due to bone protrusion. Fordyce granules, small whitish spots known to appear on mucous membranes in some people, can also be a problem.
White spots on the gums can be a cyst, a small pocket filled with fluid, and are sometimes canker sores. Either way, eating soft, mild foods for a few days to give your mouth a chance to heal should fix the problem. If the spots are tender and sore or seem to grow over time, you may want to see a dentist to learn more about treatment options. Topical medications can often reduce pain and swelling as the problem resolves.
Patients who notice white patches on their gums accompanied by extreme tenderness, bleeding, or swelling may want to see a dentist. Healthcare providers prefer to look at benign conditions and inform their patients that no treatment is needed, instead of seeing advanced malignancies after treatment options have narrowed significantly. Tissue changes in the mouth can be a sign of precancerous or cancerous lesions, and catching them early will allow patients to receive quick and appropriate treatment.
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