Healthy gums provide secure support for the teeth and keep them in place. Changes in the way your gums look might indicate health issues that require periodontal care. In this article, we answer the question: how does gum color reflect oral health?
How Does Gum Color Reflect Oral Health?
The color of healthy gums might vary from person to person. In general, gums should appear pink in color or slightly darker for people with darker skin tones. The color may become paler closer to the gum line.
Changes in gum color can often be a sign of irritation, inflammation, gum disease, or other health-related issues. Below, we discuss what problems might be indicated by changes in gum color. After a comprehensive examination, your doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis and offer a course of treatment.
Gums That Appear Red
Redness in the gums can often be accompanied by swelling or bleeding. These symptoms can signal gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease (also called gum disease). Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums that can also affect the teeth and jaw bone if left untreated.
Gum disease can be a dangerous condition, as it undermines the supportive tissue for the teeth, making them unstable and eventually leading to tooth loss. It can also penetrate the jawbone and destroy its structure. Additionally, gum disease can cause other health-related problems, such as lung and heart damage, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cognitive function issues. For these reasons, it is crucial to seek professional periodontal care as soon as you notice redness, bleeding, or swelling in the gums.
Gums That Appear Pale or White
Pale or white gums might indicate several health issues, one of which is anemia. Anemia is a lack of red cells in the blood, and doctors should closely monitor this condition.
Another reason for pale gums, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, can be oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis. This fungal infection can cause significant discomfort and typically requires medication to treat.
Gums That Are Darkening or Turning Black
As we mentioned before, some people naturally have darker gum tissue. However, if you notice that your gums become significantly darker or black, it might be a sign of a severe oral health issue. In some cases, this condition might be caused by necrotizing gingivitis (trench mouth)—a severe form of gum disease. Other symptoms of this condition might include swelling and bleeding of the gums.
Other reasons for the darkening of the gum tissue include hormonal changes, reactions to certain medications, and smoking.
How to Maintain the Health of Your Gums
Thorough and daily oral hygiene should be the primary focus when it comes to gum disease prevention. Follow these steps to maintain the health of your gums:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and before bed with a brush that does not irritate the gums and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to reach and clean the teeth at the back of your mouth.
- Floss your teeth thoroughly every evening, getting rid of food residue and plaque between the teeth. Move the thread carefully up and down to avoid causing gum bleeding.
- Add a water flosser to your daily routine. It can help clean hard-to-reach areas and better loosen debris and plaque before you come in with regular floss and a toothbrush. Using a water flosser as a first step in your routine can also boost the effectiveness of your fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings every six months to remove plaque from the areas you can not reach by yourself while brushing and flossing and to prevent tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar are filled with bacteria that slowly destroy tooth enamel and gums when left on teeth. Regular checkups will ensure that all potential oral health issues are spotted and treated before they become severe problems that require costly and complex treatment.
Make an Appointment Today
If you notice any changes in the color of your gums or experience other symptoms like bleeding, pain, or loose teeth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a periodontal dentist in Downtown Los Angeles.
Dr. David Kao is a leading and well-trusted periodontist with significant experience in treating gum disease and implant dentistry. Our dental practice provides all the necessary examinations and modern treatment methods to ensure the health of your gums and teeth. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our office.
