Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, a form of early periodontal disease. Almost half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease—many don't even know it. Yet if left unchecked ...

Several conditions can cause spots or patches of your gums to turn white. These range from more benign causes, such as gingivitis or canker sores, to more serious conditions, like oral cancer.

If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, you might have gingivitis. As it gets worse, you could notice sensitivity in your teeth or see your gums pulling away, making your teeth ...