At the time of brush your teeth Have you ever looked in the mirror at the color of your gums? This is because, in some people, a change can appear that turns the gums white. But why does this happen?

The whitish appearance around the mouth can actually be a sign of leukoplakia, a condition in which white plaques or patches form, especially around the gums.

But they can also affect other parts of the oral system. For example language As a major characteristic, leukoplakia is usually tough and difficult to remove by conventional methods, such as scraping.

Causes of white gum

It is estimated that the most common causes of white gum are products with tobacco In addition, it can also be found in people who chronically abuse the consumption of alcoholic beverages In rare situations, there is viral transmission.

Most cases of leukoplakia are benign, but lack of treatment over time can result in more advanced cases of leukoplakia. oral cancer or on the tongue, next to the whitish plaques.

Symptoms

The most recurrent symptom, as the name suggests, is the formation of white mouth patches, regardless of texture and size. However, some people even have reddish lesions In these cases, the outcome of mouth cancer can be greater.

Read also: How oral health influences emotional health

Treatment for white gum

First of all, it is essential to consult a dentist so that he can make the most assertive diagnosis of what is behind the white gums, especially if it is an advanced case. health problem .

After this, the professional will perform a biopsy exam to evaluate the most likely origin of the gum whitening. Only then can a surgical procedure for removal be indicated, as well as the use of controlled medications to relieve the symptoms.

It is also important to maintain brushing at least three times a day, with frequent use of dental floss It is also worth mentioning that the use of alcohol and tobacco products should be avoided so that the condition does not progress or recur.

Source: Dr. Juliana Brasil, dental surgeon, specialist in stomatology at Clinonco.