What causes gums to change color?

Specialized cells in the body called melanocytes make melanin. The nicotine in tobacco can cause melanocytes to produce more melanin than usual. Gums may become more brown or black. The change in color can appear in patches or affect the entire inside of the mouth.
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Why is my gums turning brown?

Brown: If you have a darker skin tone this could be your natural gum colour. Dark gums could also be the case if you've been in the sun a lot recently as sun exposure can cause melanin in the gums to darken. Check on their texture and keep an eye on the edges around your teeth for colour change.
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Are discolored gums normal?

You may have naturally dark gums because your body produces more melanin. If you were born with darker gums, it's perfectly normal for your body and there's no reason for concern.
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How do you fix discolored gums?

Treatment is straightforward. A dentist will clean the mouth and may prescribe antibiotics. Rinsing the mouth with medicated mouthwash and keeping teeth and gums clean will help prevent repeat infections.
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What does oral leukoplakia look like?

Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on the inside surfaces of your mouth. It has a number of possible causes, including repeated injury or irritation. It can also be a sign of precancerous changes in the mouth or mouth cancer.
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How I turned my black gums to pink (Life-changing Gum Depigmentation Experience)



Why do my gums look bruised?

Bruised gums can come from flossing, brushing your teeth too hard, a fall, an injury, or a hit to the mouth. Other causes include medical conditions such as gingivitis or thrombocytopenia.
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How do you know if you have unhealthy gums?

5 Warning Signs of Gum Disease That You Should Look Out For
  1. Bleeding Gums. Your gums should not bleed when you eat hard foods, brush, or floss. ...
  2. Receding Gums. Have you noticed your teeth are starting to look longer when you smile? ...
  3. Persistent Bad Breath. ...
  4. Tender or Swollen Gums. ...
  5. Tooth Sensitivity.
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What is trenchmouth?

Trench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches." The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars.
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What is Vincent's disease?

Painful inflammation of the mouth caused by two organisms, Bacillus fusiformis and Borrelia vincenti . These are commonly present in the mouth and cause infection only if some other factor, such as immune deficiency or vitamin B deficiency, operates.
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How do you know if you have a bacterial infection in your mouth?

For bacterial mouth infections, including periodontitis, look out for symptoms including:
  1. Bad breath.
  2. Bitter taste.
  3. Persistent pain.
  4. Sensitive or loose teeth.
  5. Swollen and inflamed gums, neck glands or jaw.
  6. Receding gums or new spaces between your teeth.
  7. Headache.
  8. Fever.
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What is Gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores. It may be due to a virus or bacteria.
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Can you make your gums healthy again?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
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What gingivitis looks like?

Gingivitis can cause dusky red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums.
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What periodontal disease looks like?

Bright red, swollen gums that bleed very easily, even during brushing or flossing. Bad taste or persistent mouth odor. White spots or plaques on the gums. Gums that look like they're pulling away from the teeth.
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Why are my gums turning dark purple?

This process is known as Smoker's melanosis. The gums may turn purple or brown. The palate and the inside of the cheeks can also be affected by this change. Also, since tobacco is harmful, purple or brown gums can be a sign of gum disease or even oral cancer.
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What color should your gums be?

Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen. To keep gums healthy, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day, see your dentist regularly, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
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What does a gum hematoma look like?

While eruption cysts are usually clear, eruption hematomas have blood mixed into the clear fluid. They range in color from bluish to deep purple or black. This soft tissue lesion forms on the gum in the area where the erupting tooth is located.
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How long before gingivitis turns into periodontitis?

Slight Periodontal Disease

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.
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Can you reverse gingivitis?

Believe it or not, reversing gingivitis is entirely possible—and doing so is crucial in preventing gingivitis from progressing into severe gum disease (which could lead to gum recession and tooth loss).
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Can gingivitis go away?

You can expect to see improvements after a few days of treatment, but it may take a while for symptoms to go away completely. In most cases, gingivitis usually clears up within 10 to 14 days. If your gingivitis is more serious, it could take longer to treat.
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Which vitamin keeps your gums healthy?

Vitamin C. When it comes to periodontal health, you can't go wrong with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support the body's entire immune system, that includes protecting your gums and teeth.
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Does salt water help gums?

Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
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What vitamins are good for teeth and gums?

Vitamin C strengthens your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.
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What does gingivostomatitis look like?

Gingivostomatitis is a viral infection that causes the following: Several small blisters on the gums, tongue, and lips that eventually break open and become painful open sores. Raw gums that are sore and bleed easily. Ulcers around the outer lips and mouth.
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What is Lichen planus in the mouth?

Lichen planus is a common disease that causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) on your skin or inside your mouth. On your skin, lichen planus causes a rash that is usually itchy. Inside your mouth, it may cause burning or soreness.
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