White Spots on Gums Hurting You? Causes and Treatments Explained

Understanding White Spots on Gums That Hurt

Noticing white spots on your gums can be concerning. Especially when accompanied by gum pain or discomfort. But in many cases, these white spots turn out to be harmless mouth ulcers or canker sores.

Common Causes of Painful White Spots on Gums

Some typical reasons for white or yellowish spots on gums that hurt include:

• Canker sores - Small round or oval mouth ulcers.
• Injury from brushing or flossing
• Mouthwash irritation
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Food sensitivity

The spots usually clear up on their own within 7-10 days. Proper oral care and avoiding further irritation can help them heal.

Less Common Causes

In some cases, painful white spots may need medical treatment. Less common causes include:

• Oral thrush - A fungal yeast infection.
• Leukoplakia - White patches from excess cell growth.
• Oral lichen planus - An inflammatory condition.
• Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

See your dentist promptly if you notice red, swollen, painful gums with white patches. This could indicate a gum infection or more serious mouth condition.

Are the White Spots on My Gums Dangerous?

In most cases, white spots on the gums are harmless short-term irritations. The gums can heal quickly once the cause of inflammation goes away.

However, some potential signs of concern include:

• Spots are larger than 3mm
• Lasting over 2 weeks without improvement
• Reoccur frequently in the same area
• Have an irregular shape or border
• Are hard, raised, or swollen

See your dentist promptly if you notice any of these features for evaluation and proper treatment.

Getting a Diagnosis for Painful White Mouth Spots

Dentist Examination

See a dentist if you have mouth pain and white spots on gums persisting over 2 weeks. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms and medical history.

The dentist will examine the spots, looking at the number, size, shape, texture, and location. They will also check if the spots scrape off easily, which may indicate thrush or leukoplakia.

Medical History

Your dentist will ask when the spots first appeared, if they change size or shape, and what makes them better or worse. Be sure to tell them about any mouth injuries, stress, illnesses, or new medications.

Swab and Biopsy

If it is still unclear what is causing the mouth spots, the dentist may take a sample of tissue or saliva. Testing can help diagnose oral infections like herpes or fungus.

For consistent white patches, they may recommend a biopsy to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. This involves numbing the area and removing a tiny piece of tissue.

Treatments for Painful White Spots on Gums

Canker Sore Remedies

If canker sores are the likely culprit, typical home treatments may help including:

• Oral pain medications - Over-the-counter numb gels, rinses or ointments with benzocaine or lidocaine.
• Avoiding spicy, acidic or coarse foods - To prevent further mouth irritation.
• Gentle antiseptic mouthwash - Such as saltwater rinses to keep the area clean.
• Apply cold compress - To reduce pain and swelling.

Avoid toothpaste or mouthwash with sodium lauryl sulfate and other irritants until healed.

Medication

Your dentist may prescribe medication if infections like oral thrush or ANUG are the cause. Common treatments include antifungal rinses, antibiotic mouthwash, or steroid creams.

For viral infections, antiviral medication can help control outbreaks. If autoimmune issues cause mouth ulcers, dentists may inject corticosteroids directly or prescribe immune-suppressing medication.

Surgery

In rare cases of severe or consistent leukoplakia not resolved by stopping smoking or other irritants, superficial surgery can remove affected tissue. Recurring mouth cancer may also require surgical excision.

Procedures like laser therapy and cryosurgery can also treat some small lesions or irritated spots on gums.

Prevention of White Spots and Mouth Sores

Once any infection or mouth ulcers clear, you can take proactive steps to avoid recurrence of painful white gum spots.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Gently brush twice a day and floss once a day. See your dentist every 6 months to catch any mouth problems early.

Avoid Irritants

Stop smoking and chewing tobacco if relevant. Limit alcohol and foods high in acids or spice that can inflame the gums.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress and fatigue can increase outbreaks of canker sores for some people. Relaxation, moderate exercise, and good sleep hygiene helps.

Protect Against Injury

Use a soft-bristled brush and waxed floss. Have dental work adjusted if it is irritating your gums. Always wear a mouthguard for contact sports.

Learning proper mouth care and avoiding gum irritants can lower risks of recurrent lesions. But see your dentist about any consistent white patches or gum swelling and take biopsy advice seriously.

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.