Maybe you did not know, but the color of our gums can tell a lot about the health or
disease of our gums. When we smile, we not only show our teeth, but we also
show our gums. However, we are much more concerned with the color of our teeth
and generally do not pay attention to the color of our gums. But our gums can give
us many clues about our health.
Today, we teach you to identify these abnormal tones and give you clues to their
possible causes. If you detect an abnormality in the color of your gums, we
recommend that you go to your dentist, who will be your ally.
CORAL PINK GUM
Let’s start looking at healthy gum color and for the excellent news. Healthy gums
are light pink or coral. And if your skin is dark, brown is the natural shade of your
gums, and it will be a sign of health.
Also, if your gums have a texture like that of orange peel and do not bleed or
bother you, you have healthy gums. Not much more to say. Keep taking care of
them.
Gums, which are whitish, red, or purple in color, can signify gum disease or
another infection.
RED GUM
When the gums look red, it is a sign of inflammation; usually, there may also be
bleeding when brushing. The most common cause is the accumulation of plaque
and tartar around the teeth or under the gums. The most common gum disease, in
this case, is usually gingivitis, which, in the initial stages, is reversible.
But, redness can be due to periodontitis if the previous one worsens over time and
is not treated. Periodontitis can lead to bone loss and later teeth. In this case, the
treatment is more specific.
PURPLE GUM
This color indicates that there is a disease in the gum with the presence of bacteria
underneath. That causes the so-called “periodontal pockets” and is indicative of
periodontitis with loss of bone and that holds the teeth and tooth loss.
In this case, the periodontist (gum specialist dentist) must do an examination to
diagnose the degree of involvement of the disease. Sometimes, an x-ray is also
necessary where tartar or calculus can be seen below the gum.
GREY GUMS
Grayish gums signify that the patient’s immune system is weakened, either from
smoking or stress. Also, this tone is usually related to a bacterial infection that must
be treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
WHITE GUM
The white color on the gum’s surface is due to the peeling of the epithelium that covers
it. The cause could be candidiasis, autoimmune diseases, desquamative gingivitis,
or superficial diseases necrosis such as Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
(GUNA).
A periodontist must evaluate the causes and determine the type of treatment.
These are some of the less frequent causes of whitish color change in the gums;
herpes, canker sores or biting ulcers, leukoplakia, and precancerous lesions.
DARK OR BROWN-COLORED GUMS
If your skin is dark, the brown color is the natural tone of your gums, and it will be a
sign of health.
Another reason lies in the nicotine in tobacco, which can cause a general
darkening of the gums and favors the appearance of various pathologies.
Also, the consumption of certain medications, such as oral contraceptives or
tricyclic antidepressants, can also darken the gums.
Always check its texture and pay attention to the edges around the teeth to ensure
no color change. Sometimes, even with a natural gum color, we can detect some
problem in time by paying attention and with a professional review.
As we have seen, a change in the color of the gums can be a symptom of
diseases that go beyond purely oral. This is why we recommend that, if you
detect any change in your color, you do let a professional check it.
