What causes pale gum tissue?

When changes occur in the mouth, it is essential to discuss these issues with a dental professional. This includes the color of the gum tissue. If you notice that your gums are pale, it is time to speak to your dentist about this change and learn more about what has caused it. Pale gums can signify other underlying health issues, including anemia, kidney disease, and menopause.

Anemia

Anemia is a unique medical condition in which the body is without sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry necessary oxygen to the tissues. This might lead to fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Anemia is often caused by a lack of iron in the diet or by bleeding. Patients with this condition may see an improvement in their gum color and other symptoms when taking iron supplements.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a medical condition in which the kidneys are not able to filter waste from the blood properly. This leads to a build-up of toxins in the body, including urea and creatinine. Kidney disease can also cause anemia, as well as fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. When comparing patients with and without kidney disease during a study done by the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, it was found that not a single patient in the control group had pale gums, while approximately 42.2% of those with kidney disease did.

Menopause

Menopause is a normal time in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, and her hormone levels change. This can cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Menopause can also cause gum changes, such as pale gums, increased sensitivity, bleeding gums, and receding gums. This is also known as menopausal gingivostomatitis and can be addressed with the help of a doctor and dentist who can work to not only improve the gums but the overall quality of life during this significant change.

Call to request an appointment with our team today!

If you are concerned about pale gums, or any other changes in your mouth, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patterson of Simi Valley, CA. Call 805-584-1194 to request a consultation and discuss this or other dental concerns that have developed since your last visit to our dental office.

Posted in: Periodontal Services

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Casey Patterson, DDS
Casey Patterson, DDS and Robert D. Bankhardt, DDS
2720 Cochran St, #2b
Simi Valley CA 93065
805.584.1194
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2720 Cochran St #2b Simi Valley CA 93065 (805) 584-1194