Do paler gums around the teeth mean they are healthy gums?

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#1 Post by **Crowded Mouth** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:44 am

I have been looking at all the pics of the brace wearers on here and the gums around the teeth are all shades of pale to red... I think pale is good yeah?

#2 Post by **LoobyLou** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:38 am

Hmm I always thought if they were too pale that you're lacking in something and it's better to be darker pink (though I don't think very red is good either as I think it shows inflammation?).

Hope this helps...

LoobyLou x

#3 Post by **fyrelight** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:06 pm

Pink is healthy. Red is swollen/inflamed. White would mean pressure is on the gums... like your skin goes white if you press it, then take your finger off. The particular amount of paleness may have to do with race, though... I'm very pale/white -- redhead -- so, mine are pretty light pink.

Oh yeah, and if your gums are yellowish, you're jaundiced (liver problem). I would bet if you are anemic (low red blood cells), your gums would be paler too.

#4 Post by **Evelyn** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:25 pm

Hmmm, I think it's more of a genetic thing.

Extremes aren't a good sign, for example if your gums are bright red and swollen or really pale/white, well obviously neither of those are good. However, as for light pink vs a paler pink, personally I don't think it has anything to do with gum health...

But I could be wrong

#5 Post by **weird_wired** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:51 pm

The question to ask is "Do my gums look significantly paler or darker than usual?"

If so, then mention it to your ortho/dentist.