Do you have purple-tinged gums? If so, you’re not alone—the vast majority of people do. And, no, it isn’t anything you’re doing wrong—it’s just an indication of how the circulation in your body works…
Overview:
Purple Gums, a website dedicated to helping people deal with gum problems, explains why some people have purple gums. The founder of Purple Gums, Jennifer Segal, explains in detail what is going on with your teeth and your gumline when they turn purple. This post is meant to inform you of any issues you might have with your teeth and to help you understand what’s happening so that you can take care of yourself better. On PurpleGum’s FAQ page, there is also a question about why is there blood on my toothbrush which helps further explain why purple gums occur.
Causes:
There’s no one answer to why your gums are discolored. Depending on how many and what colors your gums are, it may be from an imbalance of bacteria, inadequate oral hygiene habits, or other factors including diet and genetics. The first step is to make sure that you’re brushing and flossing daily and using proper mouthwash. If that doesn’t solve your discoloration issues, schedule a visit with your dentist or physician—your health may depend on it! In fact, some studies have found that poor gum health could increase your risk for heart disease, so keep those pearly whites clean!
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Diagnosis:
The truth is, there’s a simple reason for those blotches. And we have an easy solution that works for everyone. You see, if you take good care of your teeth and gums (brushing twice a day, flossing every night) your dentist will love them. She’ll tell you they’re healthy and straight, and she’ll tell you that your smile is perfect. When you look in the mirror…blotchy spots! But there’s one easy thing to do before that reflection leaves you feeling down in more ways than one.
Treatments:
Gum bleeding or discoloration isn’t normal. In some cases, your gums may appear a bit reddish or purple, or they may have tiny white spots scattered along your gumline. While these cosmetic issues can be irritating, you don’t need to panic—they’re usually not signs of a serious condition. Nevertheless, if you notice any changes in color that persist over time and become painful or bleed easily, schedule an appointment with your dentist so he or she can examine you and recommend a treatment plan.
Prevention:
Gently clean your teeth and gums every day. It’s important to remove plaque from your teeth to keep gum disease away. But, it’s also vital to be gentle when you’re brushing or flossing. If you brush too hard or use too much pressure while flossing, you’ll irritate your gums and make them more likely to bleed, become red, or swell up—three warning signs that show you might have gum disease. Instead of jamming a toothbrush into your mouth with lots of force (which can cause damage), choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush for two minutes twice a day.
