Why Do Our Gums Change Colors?

Chances are, if you are reading this article, you may be experiencing some interesting changes in your gums. Healthy gums are pink in color. They are firm to the touch and create a scalloped line where they meet the tooth. Gums create an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to your pearly white teeth. However, when things go awry, and the health of your gums is suffering, your gums may change in color.

What is Wrong With My Gums?

Melanin is found in your gums. This pigment is responsible for the color of your skin. Naturally, people with darker skin have more melanin in their bodies and can have darker spots on their gums. If this is true for you, your gums will most likely remain darker due to genetics. However, if you normally do not have darker spots on your gums and smoke tobacco, your gums are most likely responding to the tobacco and producing more melanin, giving you darker spots on your gums.

If your gums change to an unusually bright red color, this could be an indicator of gum disease. Normally your gums should be pink, and you should be able to tell the difference between pink and unhealthy red. If your gums are also swelling or bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, your gums are most likely unhealthy.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing changes in the color of your gums, it would be wise to give our office a call. If your routine dental cleaning and exam are coming up soon, we should talk about your gums at that point. We would be happy to look and see what is going on in your mouth. If you feel the changes in your gums are more of an emergency, give our friendly office staff a call, and we will try to work you into our schedule as soon as possible. We want to help you to have healthy gums and avoid gum disease at all costs.

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