White gums are the manifestation of oral affections that are often painful and always unpleasant. The causes are varied.

• Oral thrush (or candidiasis) manifests itself as small white spots that can even form a plaque. These are due to an infection caused by the proliferation of a fungus. Fungal in nature, this infection invades the mouth and gives rise to white spots not only on the gums, but also on the inner cheeks and tongue. This type of infection can be triggered by certain medications (antibiotics, corticoids, etc.). It can also affect babies;
• Herpetic gingivo-stomatitis reveals teeth sometimes covered with a whitish film with small gray spots. The gums also appear to be covered with a whitish paste. Fever and pain are associated, sometimes preventing eating. This condition is caused by the herpes virus and mainly affects young children;
• A localized white spot may develop following trauma or a cyst (a hollow with inflammatory fluid). Inside the oral cavity, tumors can also be white in color and appear as small nodes formed at the base of the teeth: lipomas. Lipomas are usually harmless;
• Early-stage gingivitis may appear as white patches before progressing to rather red inflammation, and then to periodontitis if left untreated. It is caused by the presence of bacteria forming white spots on the gums;
• A dental abscess can also be revealed by a white ball on the gum. This bacterial infection can sometimes cause intense pain, but it can also develop insidiously. It is located on the gums, around the edge of the tooth root;
• Anemia can result in white gums. In this case, white gums are accompanied by white lips and persistent fatigue;
• Smoking is a possible cause of white, sore gums. When gum disease cannot be explained by an infection, it is useful to take a closer look at the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Tobacco, by modifying the bacterial flora in the mouth, can make gums more sensitive and encourage the appearance of oral lesions;
• The appearance of baby teeth causes the gums to swell; the baby is said to have “doubled his gums”. In reality, they are slightly hemmed and a little whiter than before.

Always bear in mind that a dental abscess is an emergency, and that you need to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Infection can get out of hand. In general, any painful intrusion into the mouth requires a prompt appointment with your dentist.

The evolution of the agents responsible for white gums is highly variable, depending on the cause of the condition.

White gums, for whatever reason, are evidence of an abnormal intrusion of microscopic elements into the oral cavity. In any case, untreated conditions (responsible for these symptoms of gingival whiteness) can degenerate into much more serious conditions, potentially dangerous to overall health.

• Regular smoking can aggravate symptoms;
• People with diabetes need to pay particular attention to their dental care. Uncontrolled diabetes alters white blood cells, the main cause of the increased risk of dental problems;
• Gingivitis is more common in people suffering from certain immune-compromising diseases such as AIDS.

• Maintain good dental hygiene habits, including brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing and routine visits to a dental office for examination and cleaning;
• Stop smoking;
• Treat cavities, as well as any disease affecting the gums (gingivitis) and periodontitis (periodontitis), as soon as the first symptoms appear.