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White pathes on gum
Hi,
I am 36 year old. I have been occassional smoker since long (average of 1 cigeratte per day). Since last three months I have been occassionally eating "gutkha". Gutkha is similar to chewing Tobacco.
During my previous dentist visit the dentist observed white color tissue on certain parts of marginal gingiva at the right and left side of my mouth. Dentist enquired about my habits and I lied that I don't have any habits. I stopped smoking and chewing the tobacco completely for ever and maintained a very good oral hygiene. After 17 days again on the dentist visit the doctor told that the white patches have reduced. (something like 10%). Hence there is nothing to worry and we may not need further test. However, she will observe it over a period of time; say three months.
My query is,
Since the white lining on the gums/white patch on gum is showing signs of reduction in 15 days, can we conclude that it is not cancerous?
Could these white patch because of chemical used in the chewing tobacco?
Can such mild smoking over a long period and a 3 month flavoured tobacco chewing cause cancer?
Can wrong brushing cause such white patches on gingiva?
Kindly help..
I am 36 year old. I have been occassional smoker since long (average of 1 cigeratte per day). Since last three months I have been occassionally eating "gutkha". Gutkha is similar to chewing Tobacco.
During my previous dentist visit the dentist observed white color tissue on certain parts of marginal gingiva at the right and left side of my mouth. Dentist enquired about my habits and I lied that I don't have any habits. I stopped smoking and chewing the tobacco completely for ever and maintained a very good oral hygiene. After 17 days again on the dentist visit the doctor told that the white patches have reduced. (something like 10%). Hence there is nothing to worry and we may not need further test. However, she will observe it over a period of time; say three months.
My query is,
Since the white lining on the gums/white patch on gum is showing signs of reduction in 15 days, can we conclude that it is not cancerous?
Could these white patch because of chemical used in the chewing tobacco?
Can such mild smoking over a long period and a 3 month flavoured tobacco chewing cause cancer?
Can wrong brushing cause such white patches on gingiva?
Kindly help..
Hi,
Your white patches definitely can come from holding a chewing substance against the gum. That it is reducing in size is a good answer to stopping. You HAVE to stop. Substances like chewing tobacco normally are very acidic. They can gradually kill the cells that it touches. Because the mouth is a wet area, the dead cells turn white. Then you have white patches. White patches are dead cells.
Brushing wrong can't do this. Brushing too hard can give you abrasions and turn your gums red, but not white.
IMO it's the chewing tobacco substance you had used and I'm really glad you stopped. Long term use can certainly cause carcinogenic changes in the mouth.
Congratulations on quitting. You actually may have saved yourself alot of problems but you should have been truthful with your dentist. He can't give you a proper diagnosis without all the facts.
When you see him again you may want to mention your chewing habit and that you have stopped completely.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
My best to you,
Gellia
Your white patches definitely can come from holding a chewing substance against the gum. That it is reducing in size is a good answer to stopping. You HAVE to stop. Substances like chewing tobacco normally are very acidic. They can gradually kill the cells that it touches. Because the mouth is a wet area, the dead cells turn white. Then you have white patches. White patches are dead cells.
Brushing wrong can't do this. Brushing too hard can give you abrasions and turn your gums red, but not white.
IMO it's the chewing tobacco substance you had used and I'm really glad you stopped. Long term use can certainly cause carcinogenic changes in the mouth.
Congratulations on quitting. You actually may have saved yourself alot of problems but you should have been truthful with your dentist. He can't give you a proper diagnosis without all the facts.
When you see him again you may want to mention your chewing habit and that you have stopped completely.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
My best to you,
Gellia
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