Healthy gums should be a relatively consistent shade of pink. They may appear slightly lighter around the teeth and darker around the sides of the mouth. One person’s gums may be naturally a little paler or darker than another’s.
When an individual notices that the color of their gums is changing, they should speak with a doctor, especially if additional symptoms are causing concern.
Read on to learn more about the causes of pale gums. We also describe accompanying symptoms, treatments, and when to see a doctor.
Causes and symptoms
Treatment and the number of symptoms will vary, depending on the cause of pale gums.
Below is a list of underlying conditions, their other symptoms, and their treatments:
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. A lack of blood can cause some tissues to grow pale.
In addition to pale gums, a person with anemia may notice the following symptoms:
- inexplicable exhaustion or weakness
- shortness of breath
- pale or yellowish skin and eyes
- headaches
- heart palpitations
Anemia often results from a lack of iron, folate, or vitamin B12.
Otherwise, a person may have too few blood cells or not enough hemoglobin. In people with sickle cell anemia, the blood cells are abnormally shaped.
Medical conditions can also lead to anemia or increase a person’s risk. Some involve blood loss. They include:
- very heavy menstruation
- pregnancy
- liver, spleen, or kidney conditions
- hypothyroidism
- bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which may result from gastrointestinal ulcers, cancers, abnormal growths, colitis, or swelling of the large intestine
Certain medications, particularly those for chemotherapy, can increase a person’s risk of developing anemia. Others develop the condition after taking too many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which leads to internal bleeding.
Treatment may be as simple as taking prescribed iron pills for at least 6 months. These pills are best taken with food and citrus juices, especially orange juice. It can also help to eat foods rich in iron, such as dark leafy greens and fortified cereals and bread.
When very heavy periods are responsible for anemia, a person may benefit from hormone medications that lighten menstruation.
Certain foods can interfere with the body’s absorption of iron. A person with anemia may wish to avoid:
- coffee and tea
- alcohol
- whole grain products
- dairy products
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.
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.
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.
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