A healthy dental patient has firm, pink gums: connective tissue that keeps your teeth in place in the mouth. If your gum tissue starts to appear different, or if you see a change in its color, this could point to an oral health problem.
You can receive periodontal disease screenings from your dentist during a routine check-up. But if you see concerning symptoms before your next appointment, do not wait to call your dentist. Read on to learn about three ways your gum color could alter and what this could entail for your overall oral health.
Notice Changes in Your Gum Color?
Redness or Bleeding in the Gums
Redness, inflammation, and bleeding might present in the gums for acute reasons like harsh teeth brushing. But if these symptoms persist or do not have a clear cause, you might have gingivitis.
This refers to the early stage of gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue that impacts about half of adult dental patients. Despite its prevalence, many people do not realize that this disease could cause irreversible dental damage like tooth loss with urgent treatment.
Your dentist will need to intervene to get rid of this infection for good. This will be easier to do with an early diagnosis. So do not delay your routine dental check-up. Contact your dentist with questions or concerns about your periodontal health.
White or Pale Gum Tissue
A number of factors could make your gums look paler than usual, including anemia, a condition in which the body has a low red blood cell count. If you see a painful white bump on your gums, this could be a canker sore. This type of irritation usually resolves on its own.
But white-colored gums may also form due to oral thrush, a yeast infection within the mouth. Your dentist can help you get rid of this issue, but to treat it effectively, you will need a diagnosis from the dentist. Seek evaluation for any issues with your gums by scheduling a dental consultation.
Dark or Black Gums
Some people have a naturally darker color in their gums. But if the tissue starts to grow darker or turn black abnormally, this may mean you have an oral health issue. Not all periodontal symptoms will be a dental emergency. But you should still consult with your dentist to make sure.
Poor oral habits may cause your gums to darken. Smoking can have this effect, but hormonal changes or medications could make gums turn black too.
This symptom may also occur due to a severe form of gum disease called trench mouth. This infection can leave a patient in pain and with major dental damage quickly. So do not wait to tell your dentist about this issue.
If you want to know more about preserving your gum health, talk to your dentist about preventative dental care both from their office and achievable at home. Your dentist can also offer cosmetic dental treatments that will enhance the appearance of your gums.