Healthy gums are usually a consistent shade of pink, slightly lighter around the teeth and darker on the side of the mouth. Gums may differ from others, the shade can be paler or darker. But if you think that yours is white or painful, consider consulting with a Calgary dentist because there is most probably something wrong with your gums.
Here are some reasons why your gums are pale:
1. Deficiency in Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for the blood clotting process. If you lack this vitamin, it can show in the color of the gums. Babies that do not have enough of it in their system may have uncontrollable bleeding. Other conditions that show you do not have enough of this vitamin are:
- Pale skin
- Dark stools
- Bruising
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Irritability
Injecting vitamin K can easily treat this condition.
2. Anemia
Anemia usually occurs when you do not have enough oxygen-rich blood in your system. These red blood cells are responsible for the oxygen in the organs and tissues. The lack of blood can result in some tissues growing pale.
Other symptoms include:
- Pale or yellowish skin and eyes
- Exhaustion or weakness
- Breathing problems
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Not enough folate, vitamin b-12, or iron can also cause anemia. Other causes include liver and spleen disorders, very heavy menstruation, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, and genetic disorders.
Treatment may involve taking prescribe iron pills that are best taken with citrus juice and food. Other treatments include taking dietary supplements, blood transfusions, or medication.
3. Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakia refers to thin, uniform, white patches around the mouth. These patches may have white nodules or speckled in red, which alternate or are bordered by regular gum or mucous tissues. They can develop everywhere around the mouth but are usually not easy to scrub off. Doctors or Calgary dentists are unsure of its exact cause but it seems to occur in people who smoke, consume a lot of alcohol, or do not prioritize proper oral hygiene.
Leukoplakia patches are usually harmless but they can become cancerous, especially when it has both white and red patches. Doctors or Calgary dentists may choose to monitor the patches or surgically remove them.
4. Menopause
Fluctuations in the hormones associated with menopause may decrease blood flow, which can influence the gums to become pale and dry. Menopausal gingivostomatitis, an infection in the gums and mouth that can make gums paler or darker and cause gum bleeding, also happen to some women.
Treat these symptoms by hormone therapies like taking estrogen supplements. For gingivostomatitis caused by fungal species, using an antifungal cream such as nystatin or clotrimazole can help treat this.
When to see a doctor or a Calgary dentist
Pale gums are a common sign of mild anemia and it can be treated by increased intake of iron. But severe cases can be fatal.
Having a dental check-up in an affordable Calgary dentist as soon as possible is important so the condition can be diagnosed immediately and they can commence with the treatment, reducing the risk of more complications that can threaten your oral health and overall health. Medical advice about its symptoms is important. Some include:
- Swollen, painful, or tender gums
- Gums that recede around the mouth
- Fever
- Very bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Pain in the jaw or face
If you have these symptoms, visit Inglewood Family Dental, a Calgary dentist, or contact us immediately at (403) 265-5888 or fill out our form to request an appointment. Our dental team is well-trained in providing various dental services that can help treat and improve your oral health. We are ready to accommodate you in the best possible way!
Inglewood Family Dental
Phone: 403-265-5888
Address: 1420 9 Ave SE #24
City: Calgary
State: Alberta
Postal Code: T2G 0T5
Country: Canada
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