Pink, red, pale, or even a bloody red – the color of your gums can tell the condition of your oral health. But generally, dentists at Icon Dental Center, Everett, and Seattle say that light to dark pink gums are the healthiest, whereas, the red color may mean your gums are sensitive or inflamed.

How To Tell If Your Gums Are Healthy?

• If you want to know the condition of your oral health, see the color of your gums and their texture. The sooner you are able to identify a problem and pay a visit to your dentist, the better for your teeth and gums.

Gums are considered healthy if they are pink in color, however, it also depends on genetics and the amount of sun exposure you have on a daily basis. In other words, sometimes it is perfectly fine to have shades of black or brown gums regardless of your skin type.

• The color of the gums usually change depending on the overall condition of your oral health, but it may also respond to some factors in your body. We have compiled a list of colors to help you determine what they mean. So grab a mirror and stand behind the light to see how your gums are doing.

Gum Color and What They Mean for Your Mouth

According to dentists, this is what each color has to say about your mouth’s health.

• Pink color. The color pink is a sign that your gums are perfectly healthy and well looked after.
• Brown color. The color brown is a bit tricky because if you have a dark skin tone, brown could be your natural gum color. If your gums are dark, it could also mean that you have been in the sun a lot recently. A good way to tell if you have a health condition is to check the texture of the gums instead. If the edges around the teeth change their color, they might need to be checked by a dentist.
• Red color. The color red usually indicates infection or inflammation of the gums. You will likely feel sensitive to hot or cold water and food or even tough. You may even see some form of bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth. Seek the help of a dentist immediately if these signs occur.
• Yellow color. The color yellow means that you may have gingivitis. It is a condition that is accompanied by swollen and inflamed gums. This is a very common condition and can be healed by visiting a dentist on time and by improving your overall oral health. However, if you detect a sore, it could be a sign of infection.
• Black Color. The color black is typically never a good sign. Black gums are usually related to tobacco use and could be there due to some medications. You must visit a periodontist to have a look at them to see if there are any underlying conditions.
• White color. The color white usually means fungal infection or sore gums. If you feel sensitive and uncomfortable while eating or drinking, it is likely due to the viral infection. Do not let it develop and consult a dentist immediately.
• Grey Color. The color grey indicates that you have a weak immune system. It could be due to excessive smoking or stress. Grey gums are usually a sign of a bacterial infection that must be looked at by a professional.

To maintain healthy gums, visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. No amount of brushing and flossing will keep your gum and teeth health in perfect condition, so it is very important that you visit a dentist once in a while to see how you are doing with your oral health.

For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for our Seattle Dentist Office and (425) 337-2400 for our Everett Dentist Office.