Common Causes of White Gums and How to Get Rid of It

Published June 27, 2023

Normal, healthy gums typically appear pinkish, with slightly lighter or darker variations in some areas. So, if you notice your gums turning a much paler color, it’s normal to get worried.

Pale, white gums are usually a sign of an underlying disease. In most cases, they’re treatable and pose no cause for concern. But in some instances, white gums can be an early symptom of a life-threatening illness.

So if you’re suffering from white gums, the best way to get rid of it is to get to the root of the problem. You need to treat the underlying condition that’s causing your gums to turn pale.

To do that, however, you first need to determine why your gums have turned white.

Common Causes of White Gums

Here are some of the most common underlying conditions that cause your gums to appear paler than normal.

1. Leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia or simply leukoplakia is an oral disorder characterized by the appearance of thick, white patches on the inside of your mouth and tongue. These patches look like plaque but they cannot be scraped off.

There is no definite cause for leukoplakia, though most doctors commonly associate it with smoking.

If it really is leukoplakia, you should be able to notice other symptoms like:

• white patches or lesions that last for more than two weeks
• ear pain when swallowing
• constant changes in your oral tissues
• increasing difficulty in opening your jaw

2. Anemia

One of the most common signs of anemia is pale white gums. As you know, anemia happens when your body lacks red blood cells. Because of this, your gums (as with the rest of your body) are not receiving enough oxygen and can turn pale.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• headache
• dizziness
• chest pain
• pale yellowish skin
• pounding sound in ears
• shortness of breath

3. Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, painful lesions that develop on the inside of your mouth and the base of your gums. They often grow in clusters and have yellowish to white centers. Because of these pus-filled centers, the base of your gums tends to appear white or have white spots.

Aside from painful lesions, you may also feel:

• a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth a few days before the sores appear
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes

4. Oral Thrush

Also known as oral candidiasis, oral thrush is an infection caused by a type of fungus called “candida”. This fungus is naturally found in our bodies, but certain factors can cause it to grow out of control. As a result, a type of white rash similar that looks like cottage cheese will develop inside your mouth, causing your gums to appear pale.

You may also feel other symptoms like:

• loss of taste
• inflammation in some parts of the gums
• a cottony feeling in the mouth
• cracking or redness in the corners of the mouth

5. Gingivitis

Almost half of all adults in the US have gingivitis, making it one of the most common types of gum disease in the country. It causes irritation and swelling on the part of your gums surrounding your teeth. It can also cause your gums to become pale and develop white patches.

Aside from pale white gums, gingivitis symptoms also include:

• bad breath
• gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• receding gums
• tender and swollen gums