Finally, an explanation for what causes that gooey, white, slimy substance inside the walls of your mouth.
As annoying as that white, sticky and gooey substance inside the walls of your mouth is, it’s actually not a medical issue and nothing to worry about.
Yes, it’s gross, and it’s embarassing when it makes its way to the corners of your lips and someone asks you about it.
But other than inconvenience and potential embarassment around other people, that gooey stuff is actually nothing to worry about in terms of your health.
What causes the white, sticky substance inside the mouth?
“Oral mucosa, like skin cells, will slough off as newer mucosal or skin cells develop,” explains Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.
“This can be exacerbated by certain mouthwashes and toothpastes.
“Especially if the toothpaste or mouthwash is in for an excessive period of time. This is similar to exfoliating the skin.”
If you’ve had the problem of a white, slimy and sticky goop inside your mouth, have you noticed it forms after you’ve brushed your teeth or used a mouthwash?
Your Toothpaste Could Be Causing a Sticky White Slime
Toothpaste can sometimes cause a white, slimy substance to form inside the mouth, which may be due to a few different factors.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Many toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a common foaming agent.
For some people, SLS can cause irritation or a reaction in the mouth’s soft tissues, leading to the formation of a white, mucous-like substance.
This reaction can result in a slimy or coating effect inside the mouth.
Avoid toothpastes that contain this chemical.
2. Oral Mucosa Reaction: The mouth’s mucous membranes might react to certain ingredients in the toothpaste, such as flavorings, preservatives or fake colorings.
3. Dry Mouth: Toothpaste can sometimes contribute to dryness in the mouth, particularly if it contains alcohol or other drying agents.
Dry mouth can lead to an accumulation of dead cells and bacteria, which may appear as a white film.
4. Bacterial Growth: A white, slimy goo could also indicate an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the mouth, which might be aggravated by certain toothpaste brands ingredients.
Switch toothpaste brands and see what happens. Not all toothpastes are the same.
The one that finally works best for you may be pricier, but the extra cost will be well worth it.
An NYC expert in ear, nose and throat care, Dr. Silvers has been named among America’s Top Physicians and Surgeons in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology numerous times since 2003.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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