“Dear DentaLux,Every time I brush, I notice a white, slimy discharge that covers my teeth and sometimes gobs up on my gums and the inside of my cheeks. What is this? What can I do to stop it?”
Like many people, this reader is troubled by a white, mucousy substance that can form on the teeth after brushing. A lot of people will ignore the cause of this problem and simply continue to rinse their mouth out with water, or even result to scraping the mucous off their teeth after each brushing. However, knowing about the cause behind this problem can help you get rid of that white, slimy discharge for good.
The mucous that you’re experiencing on your teeth, gums and inner cheeks is a direct result of the toothpaste that you are using. Some ingredients in toothpastes are too harsh for many mouths, and can actually burn the outer tissue of the oral cavity. This burned, dead tissue then forms into the globs and film of white discharge you find in your mouth anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour after brushing.
To stop this from happening, switch to a toothpaste that does not contain harsh whitening ingredients or peroxide. Silica-based whitening toothpaste should not cause this problem. It may also result from toothpastes with a high concentration of baking soda.
Your best bet is to switch to a toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth, at least for a little while. Mentadent and Sensodyne toothpastes are good recommendations for toothpastes that shouldn’t damage your mouth tissue. Toothpastes that have been known to cause the burning effect are Colgate and Crest Pro Health.
We hope this answer helps! If you have any more questions about toothpastes, mouth problems, or general dentistry feel free to leave a comment below, contact us on Facebook, or give our team of dental professionals a call.
FAQs
Some ingredients in toothpastes are too harsh for many mouths, and can actually burn the outer tissue of the oral cavity. This burned, dead tissue then forms into the globs and film of white discharge you find in your mouth anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour after brushing.
What is the white stuff in my mouth after brushing my teeth? ›
What Is It? The white film in your mouth is a condition known as oral thrush. It is an infection caused by the candida fungus, which is a naturally occurring yeast in your body. Usually, this fungus is kept under control by other bacteria, but sometimes mitigating factors can lead it to grow out of control.
Why is there white gooey stuff in my mouth? ›
A white film in the mouth is usually a fungal infection known as oral thrush. It is caused by candida yeast, which occurs naturally in the human body. Usually, other elements of your body's microbiome keep the yeast under control so it doesn't cause any unpleasant symptoms.
Why is there white stuff in my mouth after using mouthwash? ›
Biofilm is normal and happens to everyone—even if you brush, floss and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
What is the white stuff on my tongue after brushing my teeth? ›
When food particles, bacteria, and debris get trapped in the papillae (the tiny dots on the surface of the tongue), it causes a white coating and an unpleasant smell. Good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid and treat this. Take time to gently clean your tongue with a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth.
What is the white stuff in my mouth after the dentist? ›
It means that the white stuff is something called granulation tissue, that replaces the clot in the extraction site as the wound begins to heal. It plays an integral part in healing the area of the extraction site. The granulation tissue is comprised of the following: Blood vessels.
What is the white stuff on my teeth after cleaning? ›
White spot lesions may be due to fluorosis (overexposure of fluoride to the teeth), enamel hypoplasia (thinner development of the enamel on teeth), demineralization of the enamel on the teeth, low calcium diet, and poor oral hygiene. The good news, though, it's treatable and can be reversed.
How do I get rid of white mucus in my mouth? ›
Drink warm fluids to help clear your mouth of thick saliva and to help 'wash' food down. Rinse your mouth and gargle with club soda or baking soda rinse (1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with 1 cup water) before and after eating. Limit caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.
Why do I have white saliva like discharge from my mouth? ›
If your saliva appears white and thick, the culprit could be oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. This yeast infection appears as white patches on the tongue and mouth, and is most commonly seen in adults who have diabetes since the sugars in the saliva may lead to yeast growth.
What is the white curd like discharge in my mouth? ›
Thrush, a fungal infection of your mouth, happens most often to toddlers and children but can affect anyone. It can result in creamy white lesions on your tongue or inner cheeks. Causes include certain medications and some health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
Potential Causes
Some have a mild allergic reaction to certain toothpastes, especially those with whitening. An easy fix to this may simply be switching to a different toothpaste. A more serious cause of peeling may be a bad case of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Why do I have white discharge in my mouth after brushing teeth? ›
Some ingredients in toothpastes are too harsh for many mouths, and can actually burn the outer tissue of the oral cavity. This burned, dead tissue then forms into the globs and film of white discharge you find in your mouth anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour after brushing.
What is the white jelly like substance in my mouth? ›
Poor oral hygiene, stress, dry mouth, and hormonal changes are common causes of oral thrush and the associated white stringy mucus. Effective treatment options for white stringy stuff include over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as natural remedies.
Are you supposed to scrape the white stuff off your tongue? ›
That's why, though studies are still very limited, some scientists think regular tongue scraping could improve bad breath, enhance taste, and lessen cavities. It may be especially good for a “coated tongue,” which means a buildup of bacteria and dead cells that could result from things like: Medication use. Smoking.
How do I get rid of a white coating in my mouth? ›
Brush and floss your teeth every single day, and your oral thrush should clear up within a couple of weeks. Drink plenty of water – Candida fungus can also thrive if your mouth is too dry, so drink plenty of water to encourage your mouth's natural flow of saliva.
Why does the inside of my mouth peel after I brush my teeth? ›
The simplest cause of your mouth peeling may be the toothpaste you are using. Some have a mild allergic reaction to certain toothpastes, especially those with whitening. An easy fix to this may simply be switching to a different toothpaste.
What is the white crystal from my mouth? ›
Tonsil stones are formed by debris that can build up in your tonsils. Most tonsil stones are small, usually under 5mm across. The glands contain folds known as tonsillar crypts (folds). If your tonsillar crypts are enlarged, minerals such as calcium can become trapped, and calcify (harden) into stones.
What is the white stuff on my teeth after not brushing? ›
Plaque accumulation
White spots on the teeth can also form due to an accumulation of bacteria plaque. This is the result of poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing on a regular basis. It can also occur as a side effect of wearing braces.
