White patches in mouth is a thick area in the lining of the mouth (mucosa), that can develop on the floor or roof of the mouth, inside of the cheek, lips, tongue, or gums. They are a common symptom of trauma, infection, inflammation, malignancy, and other underlying conditions and diseases. The white patches can result from pathogens, such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria, that inflames the lining of the mouth causing redness, swelling, and ulcers development.
Why Do You Have White Patches in Mouth?
The mouth and tongue are lined with a special type of skin called mucosa, it appears mostly pink because it is thinner than your normal skin. Sometimes a change in its appearance is normal, and other times it can be an indication …show more content…
$ A burn in the mouth from hot drinks or food can produce white blisters, that normally peel off soon afterwards.
$ If you have been suffering from an illness and haven't moved your tongue around much, you may get a furry white tongue. You can usually gently rub or scrape this off using a toothbrush.
$ Mouth ulcers are white because of thick layers of skin cells that form over the ulcer during the healing process.
$ Damage to the mucosis caused by a rough tooth or the irregular surface on a denture or a filling.
Dentists and doctors are most concerned about the white patches that can't be rubbed or scraped away, or ulcers that do not heal normally, which can be signs of other more serious mouth conditions.
Conditions Related with White Patches in Mouth
Thrush (Candidiasis):
Thrush is a mouth infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, that normally lives in many people's mouths. Early symptoms could be a bad taste in the mouth and decreased taste sensory. Thrush causes curd-like white patches in mouth, including the roof of the mouth and/or back of the throat, the corners of the mouth, and especially on the …show more content…
Other people who have a dry mouth, or who are taking or have just completed antibiotic treatment, are also at risk for developing thrush.
Canker Sores:
Canker sores are painful white ulcers in the mouth surrounded by an area of redness. They appear most often on the inside the cheeks, inside the lips, and your tongue. Canker sores are different from cold sores, which are caused by the contagious herpes virus, and canker sores are not contagious. Canker sores may recur, and can be small (minor), large (major), or multiple, in groups or clusters.
Although the exact cause is unknown, some experts believe that an impaired immune system, viruses, or bacteria may be involved. Other factors such as stress, allergies, trauma, iron or other vitamin deficiencies, heredity, and cigarette smoking might also put people at risk.
Leukoplakia:
Leukoplakia is a white patch that develops on the inside of the cheek, the tongue, or on the roof or floor of the mouth. It is mostly caused by chronic irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, and typically goes away on its own. Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, where they hold it against their cheek, can cause leukoplakia, but other irritants can cause this condition as