There are many causes for white spots in your mouth, ranging from mild issues to severe conditions.
White spots in the mouth can be brought on by a range of things.
Some causes of white spots in the mouth like dehydration are simple and easy to fix.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Some of these causes are common and easy to treat on your own, but others are more serious.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakiais a condition that is commonly due to heavy tobacco or alcohol use.
However, you’re free to also get leukoplakia if you dont smoke.
The term “leukoplakia” literally means “white patch” (leukomeans white andplakiameans patch).
Two main types of leukoplakia are:
The white spots in the mouth due to leukoplakia could become cancerous.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is associated with theEpstein-Barr virusandhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
This bang out of leukoplakia is present throughout a persons lifetime.
For example,human papillomavirus(HPV) is a common STI that can cause mouth sores.
Herpes virus can also cause white spots in or around the mouth.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planusis a chronic inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes inside the mouth.
These white spots in the mouth can look also look red.
They often have a lacy appearance or can show up as red inflamed open sours.
It is a punch in of fungal infection that needs to be treated with oral antifungal medication.
Thrush is resulting from an organism calledCandida albicanswhich also causes vaginal yeast infections and diaper rash.
The symptoms of oral thrush include white patches that can also look like a white coating of the mouth.
Thrush can also cause redness and burning of the mouth.
Canker Sores
Acanker soreis a single, large white patch in the mouth.
It can look red around the white area of the patch.
Canker sores are usually painful but tend to heal on their own without a problem.
However, a possible cause to be aware of is mouth cancer.
However, they can also have more serious causes.
Causes like STIs, underlying health conditions, and cancer need to be diagnosed and treated.
doi:10.4317/medoral.22292
University of Florida.Leukoplakia.
2015;51(11):1020-1025. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2015.09.004
