Like the colour of our skin, the colour of gums have their own diverse colour range.. So what affects the colour of our gums and why aren't they all the same?
Known as racial pigmentation, the colour of our gum tissue can vary from a coral pink to dark brown and black. The colour primarily depends on the number of melanocytes deep within our gum tissue. If you have a darker skin tone you are likely to have a larger number of melanocytes within your gum tissue reflecting in brown as your natural gum colour. If you are of a fairer skin tone, your gum tissue is likely to reflect a lighter pink tone.
1) Racial Pigmentation in people of darker skin tones
The pigmentation of your gums does not affect the health of your gums, however, there are a few ways to know whether your gums are at risk of gum disease:
- Inflamed, puffy red gums
- Bad or bitter taste in the mouth
- Bleeding upon brushing or flossing
- Bad odour from the mouth
- Itchy gums
If you experience any of the above, schedule in a check up with your dental professional as soon as possible. To maintain optimal gum health, it's crucial to maintain ideal oral hygiene practices at home daily and regular six monthly visits with your dental professional .
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