Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. White spots appearing inside your mouth could be an indication of a medical condition or a dental issue. Although most whitish spots are harmless, some can be a cause of concern.

This article highlights the different causes of white spots in the mouth, their prevention, and possible treatment options.

What are white spots in the mouth?

White spots could appear on any surface inside your mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, roof, and floor of your mouth. They may manifest as tiny dots or large patches that can be a different color than the surrounding tissue.

White spots can appear in clusters and could be accompanied by pain, swelling, or sensitivity.

Causes of white spots in the mouth

There are several causes of white spots inside the mouth. These include:.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida. The yeast grows on the inner cheeks, tongue, or gums, leading to a whitish or creamy-color coating that can bleed easily.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, babies, and the elderly are more at risk of developing candidiasis. Treatment options include antifungal medication and proper oral hygiene.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia manifests as thick, white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks. The condition is often linked to chronic tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption. In severe cases, leukoplakia could lead to mouth cancer.

Treatment options include addressing the cause of the patches, avoiding harmful habits, and undergoing surgery to remove the patches.

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a condition that causes white patches of skin to develop inside the mouth. The affected area could also be reddish or black in color and can fuse and become painful over time.

The condition can affect anyone, although it is more common in middle-aged women. Treatment options include corticosteroids, oral antifungal medication, and proper oral hygiene.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida that often affects newborns, those with weakened immune systems or individuals using antibiotics.

White patches could appear on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth and can lead to painful swallowing. Treatment options include antifungal medication and proper oral hygiene.

Poor oral hygiene

Failure to brush and floss your teeth regularly could lead to the accumulation of plaque. Plaque harbors bacteria that can infect the gums and lead to the appearance of white spots in the mouth.

Treatment options include practicing proper oral hygiene, using mouthwash, and regular dental checkups.

Other causes

Other causes of white spots inside the mouth include trauma to the mouth, braces, a vitamin deficiency, and a weakened immune system.

Prevention of white spots in the mouth

Here are some tips to prevent white spots from forming in your mouth:.

Practice proper oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to remove plaque
Use a good quality mouthwash to kill bacteria
Avoid tobacco use
Avoid alcohol consumption
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B and iron
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups

Treatment options for white spots in the mouth

Treatment options for white spots inside the mouth depend on the underlying cause. Here are some possible treatment options:.

Antifungal medication such as nystatin or fluconazole to treat candidiasis or oral thrush infection
Oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation associated with oral lichen planus
Cessation of smoking or alcoholic consumption to treat leukoplakia
Surgical removal of patches of leukoplakia that have turned cancerous
Regular scaling and polishing by the dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup

Conclusion

White spots in the mouth could be an indication of a medical or dental issue. Although most whitish spots are harmless, some could be a cause of concern and require treatment.

Practicing proper oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and regular dental checkups could help prevent the formation of white spots inside your mouth.