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Have you noticed a white patch on your gums, or do your gums just look a little paler than normal? Don’t panic. White gums can mean a lot of different things and aren’t necessarily a sign of something serious. While it’s always best to consult a dentist or doctor, we’ve answered some of your frequently asked questions to help give you all the facts.
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Question 5 of 12:
What should I do if I have leukoplakia?
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Try making some lifestyle changes. Tobacco and alcohol are 2 big causes of leukoplakia. If you cut back on these habits, your leukoplakia will probably go away on its own. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Ask your doctor if you should be tested for oral cancer. Your doctor might take a biopsy of your leukoplakia to test for cancer. If the patch is small, your doctor might remove all the leukoplakia with the biopsy. However, if you’re dealing with a large patch, your doctor might refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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QuestionWhy did my gums turn white after doing a teeth whitening procedure?Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.This is typically a sign that you didn't apply the teeth whitening strips correctly. If you don't line them up properly and they end up sitting on your gums, your gums will temporarily turn white for a period of time.
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References
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/symptoms/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/leukoplakia/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17655-leukoplakia
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leukoplakia/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17655-leukoplakia
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3929-anemia
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/canker-sores
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/canker-sores
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