Are you having trouble with gum problems? Do you want to know the causes of gum discoloration?
Gum health is vital to have a healthy mouth. Gum infections put you at risk for more severe health issues, so it is vital to have regular checkups.
Gum disease is reached when bacteria get into the gums. Once the bacteria settle, pus forms around the infected area. The pus will be inflamed and red. Over time the redness degrades into yellow and brown.
Keep reading to learn why your gums might be changing color and how to fix it.
Nutritional Habits
Nutritional habits can affect how clean our teeth are and the color of our gums. Improper diet can lead to gum disease and discoloration. Foods high in sugar and acid can cause plaque, which discolors gums.
Certain foods, such as dark sodas and juices, can leave stains on the teeth and gums. Also, starch-rich foods, like potato chips and white bread, stick to the teeth and gums. This way, bacteria can grow, leading to cavities, plaque, and discoloration.
Understanding nutritional habits is vital to avoiding issues with gum discoloration. Limiting sugary snacks can prevent stain-causing plaque from forming, making gums less attractive.
Eating healthy, colored foods can also help to keep your gums healthy and discoloration-free. While discoloration is often harmless, treating gum disease symptoms as soon as possible is vital.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Gum discoloration is a common side effect of poor oral hygiene. They can cause food debris to accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. When this happens, the gums become yellow or brown, which can detract from the appearance of your smile.
The problem can worsen if not addressed, leading to further discoloration and infection. To prevent and reduce the risk of gum discoloration, regular brushing, and flossing are critical to keeping gums healthy and white.
For those looking to maintain better oral health, it's essential to be mindful of dietary choices. Consuming low-sugar beverages, such as those offered by Oobli, can be a helpful step in preventing gum discoloration.
Lastly, remove plaque and bacteria by using an antibacterial mouthwash. Practice good oral hygiene to ensure healthy gums and prevent gum discoloration.
Alcoholic Drinks
For many people, one of the leading causes of gum discoloration is consuming alcoholic drinks. These drinks' sugar and acid content can cause severe staining on the teeth, and the gum tissue may also darken. Aside from the discoloration, alcohol can also lead to plaque buildup, worsening the problem.
It is vital to reduce your intake of these alcoholic beverages or to brush your teeth soon after drinking them. You can also try alternative treatments like Zoom whitening.
This dental procedure is designed to whiten teeth and can help reduce the visibility of discolored gums. The good news is that the zoom whitening cost is a more affordable and also quicker solution. With the proper treatment, this discoloration can be improved or even reversed.
Smoking
Gum discoloration can be the result of many things, including smoking. When someone smokes, the tar and nicotine from the cigarettes coat all the surfaces inside and out of the mouth. This causes the gums to darken and discolor over time.
The longer someone smokes, the more staining the gums can become. Also, the type of cigarettes smoked can affect how likely gum discoloration is to occur.
For example, menthol cigarettes contain a more significant dose of propylene glycol. This can cause further discoloration of the gums.
Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent gum discoloration from tobacco. Also, quitting smoking can help reverse the discoloration that has already occurred. It can prevent further damage to the gum tissue and may enable it to heal and change the discoloration.
But, for those seeking to freshen up or clean existing discoloration, some professional treatments can help. Through in-office cleaning and whitening, gum discoloration caused by smoking can be reduced or removed.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can be a source of gum discoloration, though this is not always the case. For instance, tetracyclines can cause discoloration in children. This is taken by adolescents during tooth formation.
Vitamin B12 supplementation can also cause a slight discoloration. Additionally, some anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin, have been linked to discoloration of the gums. Even some types of acne medications have been associated with this side effect.
It is crucial to understand which medications cause discoloration and how to prevent and clean it up. Steroids, chemotherapy and radiation drugs, antipsychotic medications, and antibiotics can result in gum discoloration. The discoloration may occur when the medication is taken or applied to the gum tissue.
Of course, discoloration caused by medications might be reversible. However it is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider if your gums have become darker or whitish due to medication.
Genetics Factor
Gum discoloration can be caused by many factors, but genetics is often the issue's root. Genetics plays a significant role in the health of our teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene. Genetics can influence the hormones produced in the body, leading to discolored gums.
Specific genetic mutations can cause excessive gum tissue. This can lead to difficult-to-clean areas, food or debris lodging in the crevices, and bacteria buildup. This can cause gum discoloration over time.
Finally, conditions can arise due to genetic factors, such as a person's ethnicity or family history. Those whose parents or grandparents tend to have discolored gums. They are likely at a higher risk of developing this issue themselves.
If genetics play a part in gum discoloration, speaking with a dentist and periodontist can provide further insight on what remedies may help.
Take Action Today to Prevent Gum Discoloration
Gum discoloration can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and diet. The leading causes of discoloration include plaque build-up, staining foods, and medications. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for healthy gums.
If you are concerned about gum discoloration, speak with your dentist to help keep your gums healthy and beautiful. Take action right away to protect and maintain your teeth and gums.
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