Patients often ask, “What is the colour of unhealthy gums?” when they notice unusual changes in their gum appearance. Noticing changes in your gum colour can be an early warning sign of underlying oral health issues. In this section, we’ll explain what different unhealthy gum colours may indicate and why early assessment matters.

Red or Dark Pink Gums

Red or dark pink gums are often the body’s way of signalling the early stages of gum inflammation. When caught early, these changes are manageable with improved oral care and professional support. Here’s a breakdown of what red or dark pink gums might mean:

• Early Sign of Inflammation:
  Bright red or dark pink gums often indicate mild gum disease, a stage of inflammation caused by plaque buildup.
• Plaque Buildup Is a Key Trigger:
  The most frequent cause is plaque accumulation along the gumline, which results from inadequate brushing and flossing.
• Hormonal Changes Increase Gum Sensitivity:
  Fluctuations in hormones—such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause—can make gums more prone to inflammation.
• Symptoms Often Include Tenderness and Bleeding:
  You may experience bleeding gums during brushing or flossing or mild swelling in the affected areas.
• Additional Warning Signs May Occur:
  Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth can also accompany gingivitis and should not be ignored.
• Condition Is Reversible:
  With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, gingivitis can often be reversed before it progresses.
• Prompt Attention Prevents Progression:
  If not managed, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease (periodontitis), which may require complex treatment.
• When to Seek Dental Advice:
  If your gums stay red, swollen, or tender for several days, it may indicate early gum disease. You should consult your dentist promptly for a professional assessment and personalised care plan.

Recognising red or dark pink gums early helps you take action before more serious gum issues can develop. Prompt dental care and improved oral hygiene can often restore gum health and prevent the need for complex treatment.

White or Pale Gums

White or pale gums can signal changes in oral or general health and may indicate underlying conditions that require attention. Below are the key reasons gums may appear pale or white, along with what they could mean:

• Anaemia Can Cause Pale Gums:
  When your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, oxygen delivery to tissues—including the gums—can be reduced. This often results in gums that appear pale, especially when accompanied by symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. A blood test by your general practitioner can confirm if anaemia is the cause.
• Leukoplakia May Appear as White Patches:
  Leukoplakia presents as thick, white patches on the gums, inner cheeks, or tongue. These patches cannot be scraped off and may be linked to tobacco use or irritation. While most cases are benign, some can be precancerous, so early professional evaluation is essential.
• Oral Thrush Creates a White, Coated Appearance:
  Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, is a fungal infection that causes creamy white patches in the mouth. It commonly affects the gums, tongue, or palate and may require antifungal treatment. It is more common in individuals who use inhaled corticosteroids, wear dentures, or have weakened immune systems. Treatment involves antifungal medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Hormonal Fluctuations and Medications May Affect Gum Colour:
  Certain medications, like chemotherapy or oral contraceptives, may cause temporary changes in gum colour, including paleness. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also affect blood flow to the gums, making them appear lighter than usual. These changes are usually temporary but should still be discussed with a dental or medical professional.
• Pale Gums Can Be a Clue to Systemic Health Conditions:
  Pale gums may be an early visible sign of an underlying health condition, like a nutritional deficiency. Bone marrow disorders can also cause noticeable changes in gum colour. If your gums remain pale despite good oral hygiene, a dentist may recommend a medical review to explore systemic causes.

If you notice that your gums are white or pale, it is important to speak with your dentist. Early assessment can help manage more serious conditions and maintain good oral and overall health.

Grey Gums and What They Tell Us

Grey gums can be a concerning change in oral appearance and may signal a range of underlying causes. Below is a breakdown of what grey gum discolouration may indicate:

• Smoking-Related Tissue Changes:
  Long-term tobacco use may cause smokers’ melanosis, a condition where the gums develop a grey or bluish tint. This occurs because smoking stimulates increased melanin production in the gum tissues over time. The discolouration appears gradually and is more common in the anterior lower jaw. It is harmless but can mask early signs of gum disease.
• Medication-Induced Discolouration:
  Certain medications can affect gum colour. For example, minocycline may cause pigmentation changes when used to address acne or rheumatoid arthritis. The drug binds to collagen and gradually builds up in gum tissues over time. This accumulation may cause grey or bluish-grey discolouration near the gum line or around dental restorations.
• Metallic Deposition from Dental Restorations:
  Grey gums may occur due to the presence of metal-based dental restorations like amalgam fillings or metal crowns. Microscopic metal particles can sometimes leach into nearby gum tissues after dental work, creating a grey or bluish mark. This mark, known as an amalgam tattoo, is harmless and does not cause pain or require treatment.
• Possible Signs of Systemic Health Issues:
  Grey gum tissue may, in rare cases, indicate a systemic condition, such as argyria, caused by prolonged exposure to silver. Unlike localised pigmentation, systemic causes often affect larger areas and may include skin discolouration or other body-wide symptoms.
• When to Seek Professional Assessment:
  If gum discolouration appears suddenly or spreads quickly, it may indicate an underlying concern that needs attention. Consult a dental professional promptly if you also notice bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or other unusual symptoms in your gums. A dentist can assess if the grey gums result from harmless pigmentation or more serious underlying health concerns.

Grey gums can arise from a variety of local or systemic causes. A dental evaluation can help identify the underlying reason and determine if further medical care is necessary.

Brown Gums and Dark Gums: Normal Variation or Concern?

Brown or dark gums can be completely normal, especially in people with darker skin tones or mixed heritage. This natural pigmentation results from melanin and does not indicate disease or poor oral hygiene. Gum colour varies widely among healthy individuals and often remains consistent over time. Regular dental checkups help confirm that this pigmentation is harmless.

However, understanding the colour of unhealthy gums is essential when there are sudden changes in appearance. For instance, patchy or uneven darkening may suggest an underlying issue. Smoking is a frequent contributor to gum discolouration, as nicotine can trigger pigmentation changes. Additionally, certain medications—like minocycline or antimalarials—may cause gradual changes in gum colour that also affect surrounding oral tissues.

Rare causes, such as oral melanoma, may appear as dark gum patches with irregular shapes, uneven colours, or sudden changes. Any new pigmentation with unclear borders, bleeding, or pain should be evaluated promptly by a dentist. Dentists assess the area with clinical tools and may recommend a biopsy if needed.