A change in the color of the gums can be a warning of oral diseases such as gingivitis. Infections of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth require prompt treatment to control them and avoid more serious symptoms.
Do you want to know why it is so important to take care of our gums? Don’t miss these recommendations from our KIN Blog.
However, certain colors of gums are associated with other general health problems in the body. From autoimmune diseases that affect both the gums and other tissues, to precancerous lesions that spread or come from different organs.
Learning to distinguish between abnormal tones in the gums and their possible causes is very useful to be able to act in time and make an early diagnosis.
Let’s see what colors gums can have and what to do in each of these cases:
red gums
Red gums usually have an inflamed appearance and great sensitivity. It is common for them to bleed while brushing or when flossing or brushing between the teeth.
This is an unmistakable symptom of periodontal disease, caused by the activity of bacteria that form oral biofilm. At first the infection is called gingivitis, but if it is not treated in time, it can lead to gingivitis, when it progresses until it reaches the bones and ligaments that hold the root of the teeth.
Gingivitis, in addition to occurring as a result of poor oral hygiene, is common in pregnancy, in patients with hormonal changes, as well as in diseases such as diabetes.
Dark gums
When the gums have a dull dark color, with a brownish tone, there are two possible causes. The first of these is overexposure to the sun, which stains the gums just like the rest of the skin.
The second reason may be the nicotine coloring in tobacco, known as “smoker’s melanosis”. This is because nicotine increases the secretion of melanin in the tissues, in addition to the accumulation of other toxic substances.
Gingival melanin, or darker gums, appears with the consumption of certain medications, such as oral contraceptives or tricyclic antidepressants.
White or pale gums
On the other hand, if the gums have visibly turned pale, the reasons are completely different. White gums are the beginning of gingivitis, when dental plaque begins to build up. However, its appearance is common when a person suffers from iron deficiency anemia, due to a lack of iron.
Patchy white gum patches may be the result of mouth sores or sores. Other causes are oral thrush, or infection with the fungus Candida albicans.
Sores can appear due to stress, hormonal changes, lowered defenses, vitamin deficiencies, rubbing of the prosthesis, or as a result of a precancerous infection. The latter is a wound that persists and does not heal as long as it passes.
yellow gums;
Another way to show gingivitis is through yellowing of the gums. Like red gums, inflammation and pain occur, which causes great discomfort to the patient.
Yellow gums gradually become redder, with continuous bleeding and high sensitivity. It is not recommended to let too much time pass before going to the dentist with these first symptoms.
purple gum;
If gingivitis worsens, the gums become completely purple, or bruises on some parts of the gums. The first purple spots appear in areas where the infection begins to affect the internal tissues.
By the time the gingivitis becomes periodontitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, the red gums are completely purple, with severe inflammation and persistent bleeding.
Gray gums
Gray color in the gums is a clear symptom in which the immune system is weakened. Whether it’s stress, hormonal changes, or excessive tobacco use, your gums turn gray and dull.
Some bacterial and fungal infections are also associated with gray gums. In an advanced stage of infection, it is very urgent to go to a specialist to treat the problem as soon as possible.
