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Pale gums may indicate that a person has anemia, which is often the result of an iron deficiency. However, if the gums are white or painful, the cause may be more serious.
we spoke about it before in our previous blog, if you missed it you can Click Here
Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakia can cause uniform, thin, white patches to develop on the gums. These alternate with, or are bordered by, regular gum or mucous tissues.
The white patches may have raised, white nodules or be speckled with red.
Leukoplakia patches can develop anywhere in the mouth and cannot be rubbed or scrubbed off.
The cause of this condition is unclear, but it seems to occur more often in people who smoke, consume a lot of alcohol, or have poor oral hygiene.
In many cases, leukoplakia patches are harmless. However, they can transform and become cancerous.
Anyone who notices these patches should speak with a doctor or dentist. Depending on the patches’ size and location, as well as individual risk factors such as smoking, a doctor may choose to monitor leukoplakia patches or surgically remove them.
Menopause
The hormonal changes associated with menopause are known to decrease blood flow, which can cause the gums to become pale and dry.
A form of infection called menopausal gingivostomatitis can lead to pale, dry gums that may bleed.
Hormone therapies can treat these symptoms. When a fungal species is responsible for gingivostomatitis, a person may need to use a topical antifungal cream, such as nystatin or clotrimazole.
Oral lichen planus
In a person with oral lichen planus, a film of web-like, slightly raised white threads develop throughout the gums’ mucus membranes.
To diagnose this condition, a doctor will usually take a biopsy, a small portion of tissue from the affected areas, to rule out other medical issues.
Cases of erosive oral lichen planus involving ulcers, or open sores, can be treated using topical corticosteroids or systemic steroids.
There is no cure for oral lichen planus, and treatment will focus on limiting the number of flare-ups and the severity of symptoms. Eating a healthful, balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising, and quitting smoking can help to manage the condition.
Pale Gums But When to see a doctor
Pale gums are a common sign of anemia, and mild anemia can be managed at home by increasing the intake of iron. However, severe cases can be life-threatening.
Speak with a doctor or dentist about pale gums as soon as possible. Receiving treatment early can reduce the risk of complications.
Seek medical advice if symptoms of infection accompany pale gums. These symptoms include:
- bleeding gums
- swollen, painful, or tender gums
- gums that recede around the teeth
- very bad breath
- fever
- loose teeth
- difficulty or pain swallowing
- gum abscesses
- a metallic taste in the mouth
- pain in the jaw or the face
Anyone who suspects that they have abnormal oral growths, such as those that occur in lichen planus or leukoplakia, should see a doctor or dentist and discuss treatment options.
When pale gums are associated with menopause or heavy menstrual periods, a person may want to speak with a doctor about hormone therapies that can reduce symptoms.
Tips for healthy gums no more Pale Gums
Practicing good oral hygiene is the easiest way to keep the gums healthy.
The following tips can help a person maintain good oral hygiene:
- brush the teeth for at least 120 seconds twice daily or more often
- floss every day
- rinse the mouth with a product containing fluoride once or twice daily
- rinse or brush after consuming sugary foods or drinks
- replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every few months or when they look worn
- exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
- visit a dentist regularly
- avoid smoking or using tobacco products
It is also important to eat a healthful, balanced diet. This should involve plenty of whole fruits, vegetables, and grains. The diet should include good sources of iron, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and lean meats.
Outlook
The natural color of gums varies from person to person. When the gums become paler than usual, speak with a doctor or dentist to rule out anemia and other underlying conditions.
Anyone who suspects that abnormal growths are making the gums appear lighter than usual should seek medical advice.
Pale gums may indicate that a person has anemia, which is often the result of an iron deficiency. However, if the gums are white or painful, the cause may be more serious.
we spoke about it before in our previous blog, if you missed it you can Click Here
Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakia can cause uniform, thin, white patches to develop on the gums. These alternate with, or are bordered by, regular gum or mucous tissues.
The white patches may have raised, white nodules or be speckled with red.
Leukoplakia patches can develop anywhere in the mouth and cannot be rubbed or scrubbed off.
The cause of this condition is unclear, but it seems to occur more often in people who smoke, consume a lot of alcohol, or have poor oral hygiene.
In many cases, leukoplakia patches are harmless. However, they can transform and become cancerous.
Anyone who notices these patches should speak with a doctor or dentist. Depending on the patches’ size and location, as well as individual risk factors such as smoking, a doctor may choose to monitor leukoplakia patches or surgically remove them.
Menopause
The hormonal changes associated with menopause are known to decrease blood flow, which can cause the gums to become pale and dry.
A form of infection called menopausal gingivostomatitis can lead to pale, dry gums that may bleed.
Hormone therapies can treat these symptoms. When a fungal species is responsible for gingivostomatitis, a person may need to use a topical antifungal cream, such as nystatin or clotrimazole.
Oral lichen planus
In a person with oral lichen planus, a film of web-like, slightly raised white threads develop throughout the gums’ mucus membranes.
To diagnose this condition, a doctor will usually take a biopsy, a small portion of tissue from the affected areas, to rule out other medical issues.
Cases of erosive oral lichen planus involving ulcers, or open sores, can be treated using topical corticosteroids or systemic steroids.
There is no cure for oral lichen planus, and treatment will focus on limiting the number of flare-ups and the severity of symptoms. Eating a healthful, balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising, and quitting smoking can help to manage the condition.
Pale Gums But When to see a doctor
Pale gums are a common sign of anemia, and mild anemia can be managed at home by increasing the intake of iron. However, severe cases can be life-threatening.
Speak with a doctor or dentist about pale gums as soon as possible. Receiving treatment early can reduce the risk of complications.
Seek medical advice if symptoms of infection accompany pale gums. These symptoms include:
- bleeding gums
- swollen, painful, or tender gums
- gums that recede around the teeth
- very bad breath
- fever
- loose teeth
- difficulty or pain swallowing
- gum abscesses
- a metallic taste in the mouth
- pain in the jaw or the face
Anyone who suspects that they have abnormal oral growths, such as those that occur in lichen planus or leukoplakia, should see a doctor or dentist and discuss treatment options.
When pale gums are associated with menopause or heavy menstrual periods, a person may want to speak with a doctor about hormone therapies that can reduce symptoms.
Tips for healthy gums no more Pale Gums
Practicing good oral hygiene is the easiest way to keep the gums healthy.
The following tips can help a person maintain good oral hygiene:
- brush the teeth for at least 120 seconds twice daily or more often
- floss every day
- rinse the mouth with a product containing fluoride once or twice daily
- rinse or brush after consuming sugary foods or drinks
- replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every few months or when they look worn
- exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
- visit a dentist regularly
- avoid smoking or using tobacco products
It is also important to eat a healthful, balanced diet. This should involve plenty of whole fruits, vegetables, and grains. The diet should include good sources of iron, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and lean meats.
Outlook
The natural color of gums varies from person to person. When the gums become paler than usual, speak with a doctor or dentist to rule out anemia and other underlying conditions.
Anyone who suspects that abnormal growths are making the gums appear lighter than usual should seek medical advice.
