People may notice that their gums change from a bright or even a pale pink color, to a dark pink, red, or even brown color. This can be a totally natural change as people age, or it can also be a symptom of a bigger problem.
If people notice a slow change over the course of a long time, this is likely not much of a concern in most cases. However, for those that notice a rapid change, where their gums get darker over the course of a month or less, they need to come to a trusted doctor in San Antonio, TX.
Gum Color Changes Need To Be Monitored
When patients come and see a doctor in San Antonio, TX, the experienced dental professional makes notes about the color of the patient’s gums. If they change, the doctor will also make notes of that as well.
This allows the doctor to track the slower changes that take place, naturally, over time. When the doctor notices a quick change over a short amount of time, however, the doctor will then look to see what the problem causing it might be.
If a person’s gums are struggling with something like oral cancer, it can cause changes in the color of their gums, as well. One of the top signs that someone has oral cancer, is changes in the color of the tissues of the patients mouth. Sometimes the tissue turns brown, or it can even turn black.
Gum Disease Causes Gums To Get Darker
Sometimes gums get darker when people get gum disease. It adds extra blood right near the surface of a person’s gum tissue, darkening the color. This often brings the persons gums from a light pink to a dark pink or even red color.
Additional Gum Disease Symptoms
Some people may be wondering if their dark red or even purplish-hued gums are the only indicators of gum disease in San Antonio, TX. The following symptoms are also common signs of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums:
Individuals with developing or worsening gum disease often talk about their gums bleeding. The gums may bleed at any time, not just when they are brushing their teeth or trying to floss.
Bad Breath:
Unfortunately, bad breath is a hallmark of early gum and advanced gum disease. The bad breath associated with gum disease does not go away like other types of bad breath do.
Discharge Between Gums And Teeth:
Discharge coming from the spaces between a person’s gums and teeth can be a sign of gum disease. This can occur in conjunction with bad breath and may be the cause of the bad breath.
Swollen Gums:
The gum tissues can swell and feel uncomfortable when a person has gum disease. Many people describe this as their gums being tender to the touch.
The good news is that periodontists can treat all stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to periodontitis. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, procedures that tackle gum disease like scaling and root planing are more predictable and comfortable than ever.
Dark Gums A Symptom Of Oral Cancer?
What if patients suspect that their dark gums may be a warning sign of oral cancer? In that situation, patients should immediately see an expert doctor for an oral pathology examination right away. Periodontists and their team members are trained to look for indications of potential oral cancer. If they spot anything suspicious, they will refer the patient to an oncologist if they do not already have one.
Oral Cancer Symptoms Also Involve:
- Red or white patches inside the mouth, such as on the tongue or the inside of the cheek.
- Teeth that have started to become loose.
- Pain in the ear or the mouth.
- Sores in and around the mouth that do not go away.
- Changes in the look and feel of the tissues inside the mouth.
- Lumps or what feels like calluses inside the mouth.
It is imperative that patients get checked whenever something seems different in their mouth. That way, they can move forward with the right kind of treatment if necessary.
Schedule A Time To Discuss Your Dark Gums In San Antonio, TX
Worried that your gums are getting dark? Do not hesitate to contact us if your gums change color. We will do whatever we can to help get your mouth back on a healthy track.
Get in contact with Dr. Andrew Weber, Dr. Lilia Ferral, Dr. Antonella Schroeder, and Dr. Claudia Curiel at our Excellent Dental Specialists office to schedule an appointment with us today! Our doctors are experienced in helping patients maintain the best oral health possible at any age.
