Definition
The gums may appear white for various reasons.
In most cases, the formation of white gum stains can be caused by an accumulation of plaque or by a reaction to some products for oral hygiene (mouthwashes, teeth whitening products, etc.).
On the other hand, the appearance of mother-of-pearl, raised and scabrous patches may indicate the presence of leukoplakia. This condition is common in smokers and can be favored by chronic trauma and irritative phenomena (sharp edges of decayed or fractured teeth, sharp dental equipment, incongruous prosthetic edges, etc.), nutritional deficiencies, anemia, allergies, infections and immunosuppression states.
The development of numerous white and thin streaks may depend on lichen planus, a chronic lesion that develops mainly in the oral cavity.
Another possible cause of white gums is candidiasis (or thrush), a fungal infection that develops on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. This is more frequent in children, in immunosuppressed subjects and in the elderly, especially in patients with dental prostheses.
Discoloration of the gums may also depend on the weakening of the immune system due to fatigue, stress or debilitating cures (prolonged use of cortisone, radiotherapy and chemotherapy). In some cases, this symptom occurs during pregnancy.
This alteration can also be observed in the case of leukoedema (pearly veiling due to a thickening of the epithelium which disappears when the mucous membrane is stretched) and hyperkeratosis due to trauma.
Rarely, white gums signal the presence of neoplastic degeneration.
In any case, to determine the exact cause and proceed to the most suitable therapeutic path, it is advisable to contact your dentist.
Possible Causes * of White Gums
- Contact allergy
- Anemia
- Candida
- Pregnancy
