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What Do White Patches In The Mouth Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 5 Sep 2018

Question: Hello

I am noticed white patches in my mouth and especially the bottom between the cheek and the gum. I have no other symptoms but also missed my 6 month dental cleaning - my breath is mostly fine except for the back left corner of my last tooth left side cheek area where there seems to be a slightly different smell and taste can you advise me on possible conditions or treatment . Your XXXXXXX app doesn’t work anymore and I’m not sure how to add photos through the web app.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Please provide more details.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

White patches inside the mouth can be due to a number of causes and conditions.

So without images, it is a bit tricky to give an exact diagnosis.

There is an option to upload images and files on this webpage.

Also please provide following details :

-Are the white patches increasing in size or are the same since the beginning?
-Is there any pain or burning while eating or spontaneously?
-Do you have a cheek or lip biting habit?
-Since how long have you noticed the patches?
-Do you chew tobacco or smoke?

Please revert back with answers.

Now the second part of the question :

The difference in smell and taste in the area of the last tooth can be due to infection in gum flap in that area or decay in the tooth.

It should be checked by a clinical examination. For now, do warm saline gargles and antiseptic mouthwash gargles. Do not let food particles accumulate in that area.

Please revert back with necessary information.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (36 minutes later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX and thank you for your response.

Firstly I have uploaded some of the photos I have that attempt to show the white patches or white areas - the area by the gums had some stringy white patches that were easily scraped off with my finger this morning. I noticed this for the first time this morning so have not had these symptoms for a long time I would think. Also I woke up this morning with a slight scratchy throat, no other symptoms.

Also please provide following details :

-Are the white patches increasing in size or are the same since beginning? (NO, they are the same)
-Is there any pain or burning while eating or spontaneously? (No pain or burning of any kind at any time)
-Do you have cheek or lip biting habit? (No habit of cheek or lip biting)
-Since how long have you noticed the patches? (This morning and hadn't noticed previously)
-Do you chew tobacco or smoke? (No I do not)

One other thing to mention is that I am good health overall other than that. I had a bout of gout in October which went away after servere pain in 10 days and has not returned after that - in my response to that, I changed my diet to eliminate alcohol, sugar for the most part and any meat except Chicken which is also minimum. I did however start drinking more Alakaline water and wondering if this affects the balance in the mouth. Please review this detail and I look forward to your responses and guidance.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Looks like Leukoplakia but needs confirmation.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It looks like Leukoplakia that occurs due to excessive keratin deposition over the mucosal surface. But it has to be confirmed.

Consult an Oral Physician and get clinically checked along with microscopy of the scrapings from the white patches.

The exact diagnosis can be given.

Take care

Dr Honey Arora

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana