Why is the color of your gums important?
Your gums have a lot to say
When we smile, we usually only look at the color of our teeth. However, we do not usually pay attention to the color of our gums, which is linked to our health.
Healthy gums are light pink; those with a whitish, red, or purplish tone may indicate disease or infection.
If we notice a change or abnormality in the color of the gums, we will have to visit the dentist to diagnose if there is a problem and select the appropriate treatment.
If the color of the gums has a pale or whitish tone, it is usually a sign of gingivitis, but it can also indicate low levels of iron in the blood. If, instead, the predominant color is purple, it is the most severe case of gingivitis. If the dominant color is bright red and they are also swollen and bleeding, it is a symptom of gingivitis that, if not treated in time, can cause the loss of teeth.
Another possibility that can occur is the appearance of white spots. If these disappear with gauze, it is probably oral candidiasis (an infection that usually affects people with low defenses). These spots may also be due to a sore caused by hormonal causes or vitamin or mineral deficiency... If it takes more than 21 days to heal, it may be a precancerous lesion.
A very common blackening of the gums in tobacco users is called smoker's melanosis. To solve this problem, it is usually sufficient to stop smoking.
The change of color in the gums can be a symptom of diseases that usually go beyond oral health, so it is necessary to go to a dental office if you detect any change in the color of the gums.
