White Skin Peeling Off Gums: Causes & Treatment of Desquamation

What Causes White Skin to Peel Off Your Gums?

Seeing white skin peeling off your gums can be alarming. But don't panic - this condition is fairly common and there are several potential causes. The medical term for peeling inside the mouth is desquamation. It occurs when the superficial layer of tissue sheds away from the surface. Let's explore the possible reasons your gums are peeling.

Improper Brushing

Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush is a prime culprit for gum peeling. Brushing too vigorously can abrasively strip away the protective mucosa lining of the gums. Opting for a soft brush and using gentle circular motions protects your gums.

Brushing right after eating acidic foods or drinks can also make your gums more vulnerable to damage. Acid softens gum tissue, allowing it to slough off more readily with brushing.

Periodontal Disease

Chronic bacterial gum infections like gingivitis and periodontitis cause inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. As the disease progresses, the gums can become detached and peel away from the teeth in diseased spots.

Seeing your dentist for deep cleanings and gum treatments can help resolve gum disease and reduce peeling. Improving your oral hygiene routine also prevents further infection.

Oral Lichen Planus

This chronic inflammatory condition affects mucus membranes inside the cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips. It produces lacy white patches, red inflamed lesions, and open sores. Advanced cases can cause painful gum peeling and ulcerations.

While lichen planus has no cure, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants can provide relief. Your dentist may also recommend special toothpastes or mouthwashes to manage symptoms.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small white or yellow ulcers that crop up inside the mouth. They often first appear on the gums. Canker sores are triggered by minor injuries, stress, spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, or food allergies.

Avoiding irritants can help them heal faster. Over-the-counter numbing gels and rinses also provide temporary pain relief. See your doctor if they persist longer than 2 weeks.

Chemotherapy

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs. It causes inflammation and painful ulcerations of the mouth lining. Pieces of dead tissue can peel away during cancer treatment.

Proper oral hygiene, anesthetic mouth rinses, and medication can alleviate chemotherapy-related gum peeling. Symptoms should resolve once treatment is complete.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins can compromise gum health. Lack of vitamin C leads to bleeding, swollen gums. A vitamin B12 deficiency also causes redness, irritation, and peeling.

Correcting any nutritional deficiencies through diet, supplements, or vitamin injections will help strengthen your gums and prevent peeling.

Dehydration

When the body is dehydrated, it redirects available fluids to vital organs and away from less critical areas like the mouth. Low saliva flow leaves the gums and oral mucosa dry, fragile, and susceptible to peeling.

Drinking adequate water and limiting salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol intake can improve hydration levels. Sucking on sugar-free gum also induces saliva production.

Dry Mouth

A chronic dry mouth or xerostomia can be caused by medications, autoimmune disorders, or radiation therapy. With inadequate saliva, the lining of the mouth becomes irritated and cracks. Gum tissue dries out and begins peeling.

Frequently sipping water, using a humidifier, avoiding sugary foods, and products to stimulate saliva can alleviate symptoms of dry mouth and gum peeling.

Contact Allergies

Allergic reactions to products containing cinnamon, peppermint, or sodium lauryl sulfate found in some toothpastes make the gums sensitive. This leads to redness, inflammation, and easy peeling following brushing.

Patch testing can identify the problematic allergen. Switching to a fragrance-free, SLS-free toothpaste tailored for sensitive mouths often stops gum irritation.

Trauma

Any sort of injury to the gums from brushing, dental work, biting the cheek, or sports injuries can make the gum tissue slough off. Cuts, abrasions, and burns compromise the mucosa lining, allowing it to detach.

Gently rinsing with saltwater keeps injured areas clean while they heal. Topical gels, vitamins, and avoiding additional trauma expedite healing.

When to See Your Dentist

Make an appointment with your dentist if you experience:

• Bleeding, painful, or worsening gum peeling
• Peeling associated with loose teeth, foul breath, or other symptoms
• No improvement despite good oral hygiene
• Extensive gum recession
• Sudden gum peeling without a known cause

Your dentist can examine your full mouth, take x-rays, and determine if any treatment is needed. Severe gum peeling may require professional debridement, antibiotics, or other therapies.

Treatments and Remedies

Mild cases of gum peeling often resolve on their own with gentle care at home. Recommended methods include:

Saltwater Rinses

Gently swishing with warm salt water 2-3 times a day keeps peeling areas clean. Salt also has antimicrobial and healing properties. Mix 1 teaspoon salt with 8 ounces warm water.

Medicated Rinses

Over-the-counter antibacterial or anesthetic mouthwashes reduce discomfort and infection risk. Look for ingredients like chlorhexidine or benzocaine on the label.

Aloe Vera Gel

Pure aloe vera gel is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and enhances cell turnover. Apply a thin layer to peeling gums after brushing and before bed.

Coconut Oil

Natural coconut oil moisturizes dry, cracked gums and forms a protective barrier. Swish around 1 teaspoon in your mouth for a few minutes daily.

Soft Toothbrush

Avoid aggravating delicate gum tissue by using an extra soft or ultrasoft bristled toothbrush. Brush gently with minimal pressure.

Moisturizing Mouthwash

Look for thicker mouthwashes containing emulsifying agents that coat and hydrate the mucosa. Brands like Biotene Dry Mouth wash help prevent gum peeling.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B complex, and coconut oil supplements promote gum healing. But get your doctor's OK before starting supplements.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• Sudden loss of large gum tissue segments
• Facial swelling

These can indicate a serious condition requiring emergency care to prevent complications.

Preventing Gum Peeling

You can help minimize gum peeling by:

• Brushing twice daily with a soft brush and gentle pressure
• Flossing daily
• Rinsing after eating acidic foods
• Staying hydrated
• Using a humidifier if you have dry mouth
• Avoiding known irritants and allergens
• Taking vitamins
• Getting routine dental cleanings and exams

While gum peeling can be concerning, it's rarely serious if caught early. Pay close attention to your oral health and see a dentist at the first sign of problems. Consistent care prevents minor gum issues from turning into major ones.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.