Why Are My Gums White? Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Dentist

Noticing that your gums have turned white can be unsettling. Healthy gums are typically a shade of pink, so any discoloration is a signal that something is amiss. While some causes are temporary and harmless, white gums can also be an early warning sign of a more serious oral or systemic health condition.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various causes of white gums, helping you differentiate between minor issues and those that require a professional diagnosis. We'll cover everything from lifestyle factors and infections to underlying diseases, and explain the available treatments and preventive measures.

Common Causes of White Gums

The reasons for white gums can be broadly categorized into localized oral issues, temporary irritations, and signs of underlying health conditions.

Localized Oral Health Issues

These conditions originate in the mouth and are often related to hygiene or infection.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline. This bacterial accumulation can lead to inflammation, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and sometimes appear pale or white as the condition progresses. Proper dental hygiene is crucial for treating and reversing gingivitis.

Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)

Oral thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. It manifests as creamy white, slightly raised patches on the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. These patches can often be wiped away, revealing a red, inflamed surface that may bleed. Oral thrush is more common in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems [^1].

An example of pale gums, which can be a sign of anemia. Pale gums can be a sign of conditions like anemia. Source: Medical News Today

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that appear inside the mouth. They typically have a white or yellow center with a distinct red border. When a canker sore forms on the gumline, it can make that specific area of your gums look white. While uncomfortable, these sores are benign and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks.

Temporary Irritation and Trauma

Sometimes, white gums are a temporary reaction to a procedure or minor injury.

• Teeth Whitening: The chemicals used in professional or at-home teeth whitening products, particularly hydrogen peroxide, can cause a temporary chemical burn on the gums, turning them white. This discoloration is usually temporary and should fade within a few hours to a day [^2].
• Tooth Extraction: Following a tooth extraction, the gums around the site may turn white. This is due to the trauma of the procedure, and the tissue should return to its normal color within a few days as it heals.
• Aggressive Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard can cause irritation and temporary paleness of the gum tissue.

White Gums as a Sign of Systemic Disease

Persistent white gums can be a primary indicator that something is wrong elsewhere in your body.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by thick, white or grayish patches that form on the gums, tongue, or the inside of the cheeks. These patches cannot be scraped off. While many cases of leukoplakia are benign, some can be precancerous, especially if red lesions are also present [^3]. Long-term tobacco and alcohol use are the most common triggers for this condition.

Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to its tissues. This lack of oxygenated blood can cause the gums and other mucous membranes to become noticeably pale or white. Anemia is often caused by a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, or folate [^4].

Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition. It can appear inside the mouth as lacy, web-like white threads on the gums and inner cheeks. In more severe forms, it can cause painful, swollen red sores. This condition requires ongoing management by a healthcare professional.

Hormonal Changes (Menopause)

For some women, the hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause can decrease blood flow to the gums, causing them to become drier and paler than usual. A rare condition called menopausal gingivostomatitis can also lead to pale, dry gums that may bleed easily [^5].

When to Worry: Differentiating Benign vs. Potentially Serious Causes

It's crucial to know when white gums are a minor issue versus a symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

See a dentist or doctor promptly if your white gums are:

• Persistent: The white patches or paleness do not go away after two weeks.
• Thick and Textured: You have thick, white patches that cannot be wiped or scraped away (a potential sign of leukoplakia).
• Painful: The discoloration is accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or open sores.
• Bleeding: Your gums are bleeding easily without provocation.
• Accompanied by Other Symptoms: You also experience fever, loose teeth, difficulty swallowing, or other unexplained symptoms.

While causes like canker sores or temporary irritation from teeth whitening will resolve on their own, conditions like leukoplakia, oral cancer, and severe anemia require professional diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment and Prevention of White Gums

Treatment is entirely dependent on the underlying cause. A dentist will first perform a thorough examination to determine why your gums are white before recommending a course of action.

Professional Treatments

• Improved Dental Hygiene & Professional Cleaning: For gingivitis, a rigorous routine of brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, is the primary treatment.
• Antifungal Medications: For oral thrush, a doctor or dentist will prescribe antifungal medications, which may come as a mouth rinse or lozenge.
• Dietary Changes and Supplements: If anemia is the cause, your doctor may recommend iron or vitamin B12 supplements and dietary changes to include more nutrient-rich foods.
• Biopsy and Monitoring: For leukoplakia, a dentist will likely take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to test for precancerous cells. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the patch and requires quitting tobacco and alcohol use [^6].

At-Home Care and Prevention

You can take several steps to maintain healthy gums and prevent discoloration:

• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals, especially iron and B12.
• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: These substances are major irritants to oral tissues and are primary risk factors for leukoplakia and oral cancer.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and dry mouth.
• Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. Early detection is key to effectively treating any oral health issue.

References

[^1]: Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Oral thrush. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533 [^2]: Colgate. (n.d.). Burned Gums From Teeth Whitening: What You Need To Know. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/burned-gums-from-teeth-whitening--what-you-need-to-know [^3]: Healthline. (2017, October 19). White Gums: Causes, Treatments, and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/white-gums [^4]: Today's Dental. (n.d.). Understanding Why Your Gums Are White. https://omahadentists.net/blog/why-gums-white-symptoms-treatment-omaha-ne/ [^5]: Medical News Today. (2018, May 24). Pale gums: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and warning signs. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321914 [^6]: Crest. (n.d.). Leukoplakia: Why do you have white gums?. https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/gum-health/leukoplakia-white-gums