That white stuff on your gums that scrapes off is often oral thrush (candidiasis), a fungal infection causing creamy, cottage cheese-like patches that leave red spots when wiped, or it could be thick plaque, but other causes like canker sores, leukoplakia, or lichen planus are possible, so it's best to see a dentist for an accurate diagnosis as some conditions need treatment and scraping can be harmful.
Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida, can lead to mucosal peeling. If you notice white patches along with peeling, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
Plaque removal is essential for good oral health, and you can safely remove – and prevent – plaque from forming. But you don't want to risk dental mishaps by using a plaque scraper at home. It's best to trust your licensed dental professionals with specialized tools.
If you notice frequent or painful peeling inside the mouth, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition or an allergic reaction. Gum sores can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. While occasional peeling skin isn't always a cause for alarm, chronic symptoms should not be ignored.
These patches cannot be scraped off. Doctors do not know the exact cause of leukoplakia. But ongoing irritation from tobacco — whether smoked, dipped or chewed — may be the most common cause. Long-term alcohol use is another possible cause.
Symptoms and Causes
The patches may: Appear on your tongue, gums and the inside of your cheeks. Look flat or slightly raised. Be white, gray or white with tiny red dots.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by conditions that weaken the immune system. This includes the Epstein-Barr virus. It occurs most often in people infected with HIV.
Symptoms of oral thrush may include: Creamy white patches or spots on your tongue, inner cheeks and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums and tonsils. Slightly raised patches that look like cottage cheese. Redness, burning or soreness that may be serious enough to cause a hard time eating or swallowing.
Oral mucosal peeling, or gum peeling, is a dental concern in which skin is sloughing off the soft tissue that lines your gums. When you notice your gums peeling, don't hesitate to call on the professionals at S&C Dental in Scottsdale, AZ. It can be overwhelming to find this happening to you but don't worry.
The symptoms of oral lichen planus are:
Calculus (tartar) – plaque will harden and calcify to produce calculus if it is given enough time (several days). Calculus is a hard cement-like substance, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush. The dentist or hygienist will remove this extra layer from the teeth.
Over time, tartar can inflame and infect your gums, leading to periodontal disease and other oral health issues. As a hard, solid substance, tartar also makes it very difficult for you to clean your teeth.
When used in mouthrinses, antimicrobial ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and essential oils have been shown to help reduce plaque and gingivitis when combined with daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause chronic bad breath (halitosis) and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The smell is often described as foul, rotten, or putrid, similar to decay or a sulfur-like odor.
While granulation tissue loss is often harmless if you have no pain, there are times you should check with your dentist: If you see exposed bone in the socket. If you develop severe pain that radiates to your ear or jaw. If you notice a lingering foul taste in your mouth.
The truth is, unhealthy gums are usually easy to spot—if you know what to look for. In short: swelling, bleeding, redness, and recession are key warning signs. If your gums look or feel “off,” it could be a sign of gum disease.
Swollen gums
An increase in the size of the gums (known as gingival hyperplasia) is reported as a symptom in a small portion of leukaemia patients. The gum around the teeth will look swollen with inspection and you might feel a tightness in your mouth.
While peeling gums aren't normal, they don't always mean something serious. The cause can range from something simple, like needing a new toothpaste, to a more complex issue requiring a specialist. Gum peeling often happens because your gums react to something you come in contact with throughout the day.
Injury or trauma from brushing, flossing, dental work, or accidental hits. Aggressive brushing, a hard toothbrush, rough flossing, or a blow to the mouth can tear delicate gum tissue and cause it to split open.
Some common symptoms include:
White stringy stuff in the mouth can be a result of oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by candida fungus. Poor oral hygiene, stress, dry mouth, and hormonal changes are common causes of oral thrush and the associated white stringy mucus.
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If the white coating appears 'curdish' and can be easily wiped off, it's likely thrush.
The easiest way to tell is by trying to rub it off. Unlike oral thrush, leukoplakia can't be scraped off. But not every white patch in the mouth is leukoplakia.
Some patients complain of a persistent sore throat, feeling like something is caught in their throat, hoarseness, a change in voice, earaches, pain when swallowing and unexplained weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, let your dentist know, especially if you've had them for two weeks or more.
Oral lichen planus can be mistaken for a yeast infection in your mouth (thrush) and leukoplakia. Like OLP, both involve white patches or spots in your mouth. But their causes are different, and so are their treatments. A healthcare provider will do tests to find out which condition you have.