Q. What causes white lines or patches on the gums of a 20-year-old male?

Answered by Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Nov 11, 2023

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old male who does not smoke. Recently, I have noticed the presence of white lines or patches on my gums, both above and below my teeth. I am wondering if this is something I should be worried about. I am well aware that my dental health is not ideal, and I have a dental cleaning scheduled in two weeks' time. I have also experienced some bleeding while brushing, particularly from the two teeth that have discolored gums beneath the white patches. The bleeding has reduced since I started brushing more regularly and using Corsodyl mouthwash. Initially, there used to be bleeding from multiple teeth, but the situation has improved.

I suspect that I might be dealing with gum disease. Could the white patch on my upper right gum be attributed to this condition? I am feeling quite paranoid about the possibility of oral cancer.

Please clarify.

Thank you.

BDS
Dentistry Nutritionist Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Implantologist

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

It is important to understand that not all oral lesions indicate cancer. White and red lesions are relatively common. Upon examination, I have noted a substantial buildup of calculus on your teeth, along with signs of gingivitis or gingival disease. It is positive that you are using Corsodyl, but I suggest you go for a deep dental scaling or cleaning.

Could you please inform me about when you first noticed these white lesions on your upper gums? The duration of their presence is a critical factor in determining whether they stem from gingival issues or any form of oral infection. Based on it, I will make an informed decision regarding the next course of action.

Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for you reply.

I only noticed the white patch on my upper gums when I lifted my lip to check today. The actual duration of its presence is uncertain. I did have an oral cancer screening on last month during which the healthcare professional advised that I needed a cleaning and expressed no concerns about any issues.

My gums have been bleeding when I brush my teeth for an extended period (likely due to infrequent brushing), and I have been accumulating calculus for about two years now – a result of poor diet and dental hygiene habits that date back to when I was 18.

I have also attached another image of the white patch that is causing my concern.

Thank you for your assistance.

BDS
Dentistry Nutritionist Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Implantologist

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can reassure you that it does not appear to be cancer. But, it is essential to exercise caution and stay vigilant about any white patches or lesions in your mouth. While deep scaling will certainly help with your tooth deposits and gingival disease, preventing white lesions takes importance. Considering the uncertainty about the timeline of the white patch, I need to inquire about one specific aspect before providing you with appropriate strategies.

Before I proceed, could you kindly inform me if you are currently taking any medications or if you have a medical history that might be relevant?

Thank you for your cooperation.


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