Tim

Your gums are very important to your oral health. The gums are made of firm, pink tissue that covers your jawbones. This tissue is thick, fibrous, and full of blood vessels. If your gums become swollen, they may protrude, or bulge out. Swelling of your gums usually begins where the gum meets the tooth. Your gums may become so swollen, however, that they begin to hide parts of your teeth. Swollen gums usually are red instead of their normal pink color.
Swollen gums around tooth, also called gingival swelling, are often irritated, sensitive, or painful. You may also notice that your gums bleed more easily when brushing or flossing your teeth. This is a common problem, and can have a number of different causes. If you are suffering from gum swelling that lasts longer than a few days, you should contact your dental professional.

Why is mu gum swollen around one tooth?

There are a few reasons a gum can swell in one area, including an abscessed tooth, gum disease and improper brushing or flossing. Here are some causes of this common problem and what to do if it happens to you.
Hygienic issues
Swollen gum around tooth in your mouth may be because you didn’t brush or floss correctly, which can leave behind food debris that causes decay and inflammation in the neglected area of the gum. Over time, this inadequate oral hygiene can cause gum disease as well. Be on the lookout for pale, red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, pus coming from the tooth, a loose tooth or persistent bad breath and taste.
Gum Disease
A common known cause for a swollen gum around one tooth is gum disease. This is a prevalent condition for which you should be on guard each time you brush. In its earliest stages, its symptoms show up as red and swollen gums that, although painless, might still bleed. As the disease progresses, it can cause loose teeth due to gums that have pulled away in certain spots.
Abscessed Tooth
This condition also a very common cause of local gum swelling and indicates you have an infection in or around your tooth. Usually this can come from an untreated cavity that causes bacteria to spread throughout your tooth and infect it. Abscessed tooth can cause irritation and ultimately cost you the tooth if left untreated.
Its symptoms include throbbing pain, red or swollen gums around tooth, a swollen jaw or face, a tender or sore tooth, a fever and even a salty taste in your mouth. However, treatment is required for an abscessed tooth. Therefore, your dentist may give you antibiotics for the infection, a root canal to remove the infected pulp or extract the tooth entirely depending on the severity.
Gingivitis
This is the most common condition when it comes to swollen gums. It’s a gum disease that causes your gums to become irritated and swollen. Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms can be quite mild. However, if it’s left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to a much more serious condition called “periodontitis” and possible tooth loss.
Gingivitis may result from poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the gum line and teeth. Plaque is a film composed of bacteria and food particles deposited on the teeth over time. If plaque remains on the teeth for more than a few days, it becomes tartar, which is harder than plaque.
Pregnancy
Swollen gums can also occur during pregnancy. The hormonal changes in your body that occur during pregnancy may increase the blood flow in your gums. This increase in blood flow can cause your gums to be more easily irritated, leading to swelling. These hormonal changes can also hinder your body’s ability to fight off bacteria that typically cause gum infections. This can increase your chance of developing gingivitis.
Malnutrition
When you are deficient in vitamins, especially vitamins B and C, can increase the chances of developing swollen gums around tooth. Vitamin C, for example, plays an important role in the maintenance and repair of your teeth and gums. If your vitamin C levels drop too low, you could develop scurvy. Scurvy can cause anemia and gum disease.
Infection
Infections caused by fungi and viruses can potentially cause swollen gums. If you have herpes, it could lead to a condition called acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes swollen gums. Thrush, which is the result of an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in the mouth, can also cause gum swelling. Untreated dental decay can lead to a dental abscess, which is localized gum swelling.
Medications
If you have recently started taking medication, your swollen gums may be a side effect of the drug. Talk to your doctor about your side effects to the medication, and find out if there are alternatives.
Brand switch
If you have recently changed your brand of toothpaste or mouthwash, you may be having a reaction to one of the ingredients. This is more often to people who are very sensitive to allergic reactions. Always stick to what you are used to if you have this problem.
There are many other possible causes and contributors to gum inflammation, so discussing your symptoms with your dentist is the best way to get an accurate and complete diagnosis.

How to Prevent Swollen Gums around tooth

Not only brushing your teeth twice a day; flossing in between your teeth and using an effective is enough. In addition, make sure you’re brushing, flossing and rinsing with proper tools and technique. If you have a large space between two teeth, for instance, an interdental brush can help clean in between them.
To add on that, you should be going for your dental check-ups at least twice a year not only so your dentist can check the overall health of your teeth, but whether you have swollen gums around tooth or have receded gums.
A healthy mouth and beautiful smile depend on how much care you put into both your teeth and gums. Start with oral care at home and follow it up with semi-annual dentist visits to make sure your mouth health is uninterrupted from ear to ear.

Swollen Gums around wisdom Tooth

Pericoronitis is a condition which occurs when a part of the tooth breaks partially through the gum. Plaque and food gets caught underneath this and remains there. This causes irritation and swelling of the gum tissue and infection. If left unattended, the infection and swelling can extend to the neck and cheek regions as well.
If you are suffering swollen gums around tooth, the following parts can be a great help for you to relieve your discomforts.

Causes of Swollen Gum around Wisdom Tooth

Natural reaction of the body to infection is to supply the affected part with oxygen rich blood, red blood cells and nutrients to hasten the healing. Pain and swelling occurs because the small blood vessels in the area expand to increase the blood flow to the area. This is the same reaction that happens when the gums around the wisdom tooth swell.
Apart from pericoronitis, gingivitis can cause swollen gums around wisdom tooth, which is caused by the presence of plaque or bacterial biofilms sticking to the tooth surfaces. The lesions can be caused due to viral, bacteria, fungal or genetic causes. The gum tissue gets stretched over the connective tissue and gets inflamed, swollen and appear shiny, which will bleed easily when flossing or brushing.
Other causes of gum pain can be impaction, infection, tooth decay, cysts and pain due to pressure. The following are some conditions that swollen gums around tooth may occur:

• When the wisdom tooth doesn’t fully grow but breaks out from the gums, the condition is called impacted tooth.
• When an erupted wisdom tooth is covered with a flap of skin, gum infection like pericoronitis occurs.
• When the tooth begins to die, tooth decay occurs.
• Small pockets of fluid called cysts also form near the wisdom tooth.
• When the wisdom tooth erupts through gums, pressure pain occurs.

Swollen Gum around One Tooth no Pain

There are some cases you may have a swollen gum that has no pain. Should you get worried? For some instance, that may not be a cause for alarm, maybe it is just a small injury that may have occurred while you were carrying out your normal daily oral hygiene. However, do not assume such conditions just like that.
For instance, if the swollen gums around tooth start developing white spots or patches hence with no pain, it might be an infection called leukoplakia. This condition is usually painless and it may be seen with swollen whitish gums. For this, you have to be concerned as it may develop to a more serious problem. You can visit your dentist who may advise you on the right antibiotics to use on such conditions.

Swollen Gum behind back tooth

Wisdom teeth do not always emerge into the mouth properly because there may not be enough room in the mouth for them to fit. Sometimes, a part of the tooth may remain covered by a flap of gum. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped under this flap and cause a mild irritation, a low-grade infection called pericoronitis and swelling. This usually happens with the lower wisdom teeth.
What to do for this condition
You cannot treat pericoronitis at home. If you recognize the symptoms, get treatment right away. The symptoms may include:

• A bad taste in the mouth — this often happens when there is an infection.
• Bad breath(halitosis) – more so from the swollen gums around tooth
• Pain in the area around your back teeth — Pericoronitis usually occurs around the wisdom teeth.
• Swelling behind the very back teeth — if you have pericoronitis, you’ll notice that the gum tissue in the back of your mouth is swollen. This swelling may not allow you to bite comfortably without pinching the swollen tissues between your teeth.
• Not being able to open your mouth full.

Swollen Gums in Back of Mouth

If you are teen and you have not developed molar teeth, you may experience this problem. All teeth usually never emerge at the same time.
As you continue to grow, your jaw bone continue to increase in length as well. This provide enough space for the eruption of molar teeth that had not yet grown while you were younger due to space limitation.
When this time comes, you may experience swollen gums at the back of your mouth which usually is accompanied with a mild pain. The swollen gums may eventually break with time to allow the teeth to grow up.

Swollen Gums around Tooth Home Remedy

Swelling of the gums is a common problem. The tissue that forms the gums is thick, fibrous and full of blood vessels. Hence, when there is swelling, the gums may protrude or bulge out and appear red instead of their normal pink.
You can soothe the pain and swelling of gums with proper oral hygiene and home remedies. However, if you have swollen gums and symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see your dentist.
Home remedies Include:
Warm and Cold Compresses
Warm and cold compresses can provide quick relief for sore, swollen gums as they help reduce pain and swelling. You need to hold the compresses against your face, not directly on the swollen gums.
Salt Water
Salt is another effective remedy for swollen gums around tooth. It inhibits growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevents infections that may contribute to several oral health issues.

• After brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub your gums with salt for a few seconds. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily. After your gums are healthy again, do this 3 times a week to prevent recurrence.
• Another option is to add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth twice daily until the swelling subsides.

Clove Oil
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in relieving inflammation of gums and reduces pain. Clove oil on cotton placed near the tooth for an hour will be helpful in reducing swelling.
Camphor
Wrapping camphor in cotton and placing near the wisdom tooth can cause numbing effect on the painful gums. You can place this till it dissolves in the mouth.
Oral Numbing Gel
These gels are available OTC for topical application on the affected area. The gel will provide relief from unbearable pain only temporarily.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the very essential part of home care. Brush your teeth with soft toothbrush, especially those affected part. Flossing helps in removing food particles and medicated mouthwash helps in controlling infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can also help reduce swollen gums around tooth inflammation and pain. It can even help kill germs and fight oral problems. For oral health, use food grade, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution only.

• Mix equal parts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and water. Swish the solution around your gums and teeth for 30 seconds. Rinse it off with warm water.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub this paste on your gums, wait 1 minute and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Turmeric
Turmeric is also a good home remedy for swollen gums around tooth. It contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it prevents the spread of bacterial activity that causes several oral problems

• Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste
• Apply this paste on the gums with your clean finger.
• Leave it on for 5 minutes, then massage gently for 1 minute.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Repeat twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.

Black Tea Bags
Black tea bags have tannins that can help reduce inflammation of the swollen gums around tooth. In addition, its antioxidant properties promote good oral health.

• Steep a tea bag in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove it and allow it to cool to a bearable temperature.
• Hold the tea bag on the affected area of your gums for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution.
• Repeat once daily for a few days.

Aloe Vera
Another effective remedy to treat swollen and bleeding gums is aloe vera. This herb has anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can prevent the growth of plaque- causing bacteria in the mouth and soothe inflamed gums.

How to treat Swollen Gums

Some causes of gum pain, like medications and illness, will need to be treated with more comprehensive medical care. See your dentist for your regular check-up and he or she can refer you to this health care professional.
Or, if you just started taking a new medication and notice gum pain creep in, talk to your doctor about alternatives, or even altering your dosage.
Depending on the cause of your swollen gums around tooth, your dentist may prescribe oral rinses that help prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque. Your dentist may also recommend that you use a specific brand of toothpaste. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary.
If you have an extreme case of gingivitis, you may need surgery. One common treatment option is scaling and root planing. This is a procedure in which the dentist scrapes away diseased gums, dental plaque, and calculus, or tartar, on the roots of the teeth to allow the remaining gums to heal.
Eat Cold Foods
Provided the sensitive hasn’t spread to your teeth, cold foods can help reduce swelling and numb the pain of swollen gums. Therefore, try noshing on a freezer pop or eating a few frozen grapes to help calm the pain and swelling naturally.
Find Relief
There are a number of thing you can carry out, and a few things you should not do, to ease your discomfort and decrease the swelling in your gums.
What to do

• Brush and floss regularly. If the root cause of your gum swelling is gingivitis, good oral hygiene is the first step to recovery.
• Improve your diet. Add some extra fruits and vegetables to your diet, and avoid caffeinated beverages and sodas for a while.
• Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. This can ease the pain of inflamed gums.
• See your dentist! Be sure to make an appointment if your gum irritation persists. A dental professional can determine the exact cause of the swelling, and help you improve the health of your teeth and gums faster.

Things not to do

• Don’t continue to use toothpastes and mouthwashes that irritate your gums. Mouthwash that contains alcohol may irritate swollen gums. Change your toothpaste if you find it is hurting the affected area.
• Don’t use alcohol and tobacco, since both those substances can irritate your gums further.
• Don’t ignore the problem. Begin taking action to help reduce the swelling, and see a professional to ensure the swelling in your gums isn’t a symptom of something more serious.

References

1. Causes of swelling on gums: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/what-causes-a-swollen-gum-around-one-tooth-1015
2. Causes of swollen gums; http://www.healthline.com/symptom/swollen-gums

This condition can be caused by anemia, because the body either lacks sufficient red blood cells or sufficient hemoglobin, it fails to receive sufficient oxygen, causing the skin to turn pale. The increased paleness is particularly prominent in the gums, nail beds and inner eyelids. Research has it that, the most obvious and common symptom of anemia is fatigue.

Why are my Gums Pale?

In more severe cases, the heartbeat increases noticeably. Other symptoms include irritability, low blood pressure, brittle nails, unusual food cravings and persistent headaches. While iron deficiency anemia is easily treated, but if left undiagnosed it can impair growth and development among infants, and severely impact quality of life in adults.
Treatment of pale gums consists of correcting the iron deficiency through a combination of diet and supplements. Side effects include black stools; rarely, people also suffer from abdominal discomfort. To prevent iron deficiency anemia, eating a nutritious diet such as, liver, fish, poultry and eggs are all excellent sources of iron, and should sometimes supplemented with citrus juice to help the body absorb the nutrients.
Vegetarians are more likely to suffer from iron deficiencies if proper care is not taken, as are menstruating or breastfeeding women. However, anemia can afflict either gender at any age. Lifestyle choices also play a significant factor; alcoholics and serious athletes are both at a higher risk than others.

What Causes Pale Gums

Though they may be a part of our body that we don’t look at with much depth, our gums are quite important to us. If you have ever had pale gums or seen them up close, they can be quite worrisome. Under normal conditions, our gums are usually a nice pale shade of pink when they are healthy.
However with certain health conditions or with improper hygiene, our gums can quickly become pale and even damaged.  More importantly, is there some deeper health condition going on that’s contributing to this.
Possible Causes of pale gums
Health Conditions
The most common cause for pale gums is anemia. Anemia affects a lot of people and they don’t even know it. This condition often doesn’t come out until a blood test is run and therefore many people don’t realize that they are suffering from this iron deficiency. One of the most obvious ways that anemia shows itself besides fatigue and dizziness is pale gums and it can really take you off guard.
Though we expect our gums to look a certain way, we are immediately concerned when they appear pale and off balance. If the pale gums are also accompanied by a pale or white tongue, then chances are you are suffering from anemia. You should get checked out by a doctor and receive treatment, and as a result the gums will likely regain their proper colour.
Gum disease
Though we often hear that gums get bright red or even bleed from this condition, they can go the other way, too. The other extreme for gum disease is that the gums become pale and lack any real colour to them at all. This is rather serious as it can cause some rather significant damage to the gums which can sometimes be irreversible.
If you have a history of gum disease or if you notice that the gums are just pale and lifeless, you need to make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If not treated properly, gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene and can even lead to other health conditions.
Improper Oral Hygiene
One final cause for pale gums can be poor oral hygiene. Though we tend to think of cavities and gingivitis as the result of poor oral hygiene, it can show itself in other forms sometimes. The gums that are pale can come about or can even be the result of a build-up of extreme tartar or plaque in between the gums and the teeth. If poor oral hygiene is the cause you need to really focus your efforts on improving it.
No matter what is causing your gums that are pale you want to look to natural products to help improve the appearance of your gums and create a balanced and healthy mouth. Looking for a natural toothpaste that has botanical peppermint oil as its base can really help to fight off bacteria. This will help to improve the appearance of your gums and ensure that they are no longer pale, making for the best oral hygiene possible.

Is Pale Gums Anemia Symptom?

The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause, the severity and any underlying health problems, such as haemorrhaging, ulcers, menstrual problems, or cancer. Specific symptoms of those problems may be noticed first.
The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or has developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms.
Symptoms common to many types of anemia include, Easy fatigue and loss of energy, unusually rapid heartbeat, particularly with exercise, shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise, difficulty concentrating, Pale skin or pale gums, Leg cramps, insomnia.
When to consult a Doctor for Anemia
Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for anemia or notice any signs or symptoms of anemia including:

• Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.
• Poor diet or inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals
• Very heavy menstrual periods
• Symptoms of an ulcer, gastritis, haemorrhoids, bloody or tarry stools, or colorectal cancer
• Concern about environmental exposure to lead
• A hereditary anemia runs in your family and you would like genetic counselling before having a child

For women considering pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend that you begin taking supplements, especially folate, even before conception. These supplements benefit both mother and baby.

Pale Gums around Teeth Meaning

There are two types of diseases that can affect the gums: gingivitis and periodontitis. Together, gingivitis and periodontitis are referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, but without proper treatment it can lead to the more serious periodontitis. It is characterized by red and irritated pale gums.
Gingivitis is quite common, with many people having it to different strengths. Those at increased risk include anyone with poor dental hygiene, minorities, those who are less educated, smokers, uncontrolled diabetics, older adults, and pregnant women, those with decreased immunity, poor nutrition, substance abusers and those who do not seek the services of a dental professional often.
The National Institutes of Health warned that if it is not removed, plaque can turn into tartar, a hard deposit at the base of the tooth. Both plaque and tartar inflame gums and produce bacteria and toxins that cause gums to get infected with gingivitis.
Symptoms
Healthy gums are characterized by pale pink colour and firmness. Because gingivitis is usually not painful, many people do not realize that it is present or that they have a problem.
Symptoms include:

• Bleeding gums, even with gentle brushing
• Tender gums, especially when touched
• Bright red, dusky red or purple-red gums
• Swollen and pale gums
• Mouth sores
• Shiny gums
• Bad breath

Prevention
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to practice good oral hygiene. The brushing teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Teeth should be professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months. If symptoms are especially bad, dentists may recommend brushing and flossing after every meal and before bed.
They may also recommend plaque-removal devices, such as special toothbrushes, toothpicks and water irrigation tools. Prescribed anti-plaque and anti-tartar toothpastes and rinses can also help.

White Patches on Gums Causes

Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on your gums or on the insides of your cheeks. Although leukoplakia itself isn’t dangerous, it sometimes shows precancerous changes that can lead to mouth cancer. These patches can’t easily be scraped off.
The cause of leukoplakia is unknown, but tobacco, whether smoked, dipped or chewed, is considered to be the main culprit in its development. This condition can sometimes be serious. Although most leukoplakia patches are benign, a small percentage show early signs of cancer, and many cancers of the mouth occur next to areas of leukoplakia.
Symptoms
Leukoplakia can have various appearances. Changes usually occur on your gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, your tongue. Leukoplakia may appear as:

• White or grayish patches that can’t be wiped away
• Irregular or flat-textured areas and pale gums
• Thickened or hardened areas
• Raised, red lesions (erythroplakia), which are more likely to show precancerous changes

A type of leukoplakia called hairy leukoplakia primarily affects people whose immune systems have been weakened by medications or disease, especially HIV/AIDS. Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges on the sides of your tongue.
It’s often mistaken for oral thrush — an infection marked by creamy white patches on the area that extends from the back of your throat to the top of your oesophagus (pharynx) and the insides of the cheeks. Oral thrush also is common in people with HIV/AIDS.
Prevention
Most often, you can prevent leukoplakia by:

• Avoiding all tobacco products.This is one of the best steps you can take for your overall health, as well as being one of the main ways to prevent leukoplakia. Talk to your doctor about methods to help you quit. If friends or family members continue to smoke or chew tobacco, encourage them to have frequent dental check-ups. Oral cancers are usually painless until fairly advanced.
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol use.Alcohol is a factor in both leukoplakia and oral cancer. Combining alcohol and smoking may make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to penetrate the tissues in your mouth.
• Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.These are rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, which reduce the risk of leukoplakia by deactivating harmful oxygen molecules before they can damage tissues. Foods rich in beta carotene include dark yellow, orange, and green fruits and vegetables, including carrots, pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe and spinach.

What it mean when Gums are White and Sore

Painful, sore, white gums can be signs and symptoms of gingivitis or, more likely, periodontitis), which can arise due to a number of different causes, including poor oral hygiene with improper brushing or flossing. Inflammation of the gums may manifest as

• Painful pale gums,
• sensitivity,
• redness,
• swelling, and
• Bleeding of the gums either after brushing or when otherwise irritated.

Gum disease can ultimately lead to receding gums and even damage to the bones of the jaw. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may in some cases lead to soreness or pain. Painful white or pale gums can also arise due to localized sores on the gums, such as abscesses or aphthous ulcers.

Reason for Light Pink Gums around Teeth

Normal, healthy gums should be firmly attached to the teeth and underlying bone. They are pale pink in light-skinned people and brown, gray or mottled in people with darker complexions.
If you have gingivitis, your gums are inflamed, red and swollen. They will bleed easily and may be tender… If left unchecked, however, it can become severe.
People with poorly controlled diabetes and pregnant women are especially at risk. People taking oral contraceptives or systemic steroids are at increased risk of gingivitis. Certain prescription drugs — including anti-seizure medications and calcium channel blockers — can cause gum overgrowth and inflammation.

Healthy Gum color in Humans

Healthy gums should be firm to the touch and will be pink or coral in colour, but the exact shade can vary considerably from person to person. If you look closely you might notice they look slightly stippled or have an appearance like an orange peel. Another example of gum variation is African Americans often have darker gums.  This is not due to poor oral hygiene. It’s because of the melanin that also causes the skin to be darker.
Healthy ones are not pale gums, and will form a good seal at the gum margin so no bacteria are able to penetrate this area. You might notice a slight indentation or crevice at the gum margin, and this is called the sulcus. A healthy sulcus will have a depth of between zero and 3 mm and will not look infected or inflamed in any way.

Signs of Unhealthy Gums

They include the following:

• Your gum tissue may appear darker in colour than before
• Your gums might appear swollen, and they may feel tender or sore to the touch, or slightly squashy
• You may notice blood on your toothbrush or that your gums begin to bleed when you flossthem
• Your teeth could look longer than before as the infected and inflamed gums begin to recede due to the destruction of the gum tissues
• You may develop bad breath due to build-up of bacteria and infection in your mouth

If you do notice any of these signs, then I suggest you make an appointment to visit your dentist, especially if you haven’t had a check-up in a while. This is because you could have gum disease, and this condition is far easier to treat if caught early.

How to Get Rid of White Gums

In almost all cases, gingivitis, or gum disease, is caused by improper cleaning of the teeth and gums. If proper teeth care is not effective, you can use these techniques to treat pale gum at home. Yet, it’s always best to see a dentist for a proper evaluation and course of treatment.
You need to note the following:
Know the symptoms. Gingivitis can progress through its early stages with few visible symptoms. When gingivitis worsens and advances into full-blown periodontitis, the symptoms are usually:
Understand how plaque causes problems. Food trapped under the gums combines with bacteria to create plaque, a toxic stew that irritates the gums and makes them bleed, white or pale in colour. Bleeding is your body’s way of trying to clear out the toxic material from your gums.
Know the non-surgical dental options. Most treatments for gum disease involve the dentist, although keeping the disease at bay in at least half of the problem. If you have mild gingivitis, consider non-surgical treatments.
Know the surgical dental options. Advanced gum disease or periodontitis may need to be attacked with dental surgery.
Help yourself. Regardless of what happens in the dental chair, it’s what happens in your bathroom that determines the success or failure of your gum disease treatment.
Use oral irrigation. It is an effective gum disease treatment that dental professionals recommend for daily plaque control. An oral irrigator is attached to a water source such as a sink tap or shower head. They flood the mouth and gum pockets with a jet of water under pressure to flush offending food particles and bacteria from below the gum line.
Home treatment
Know the limitations of home remedies
Many home remedies rely on anecdotal evidence, meaning someone’s personal experience, and not scientific evidence. Be aware that many home remedies have no scientific backing that they are effective in pale gums, or gum disease. This is why it is important to still visit your dentist and only combine home remedies with dentist-recommended advice. Do not use home remedies solely as a substitute for dental treatment.
Oral probiotics.
Oral probiotics contain good bacteria that assist in restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth after use of oral antiseptics found in mouthwashes and toothpastes. This usually help much in white, pale gums and gum disease.
Some oral probiotics contain a bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri, which is naturally found in breast milk and saliva. This bacteria is recommended especially during non-surgical therapy while maintaining other gingivitis treatments. Ask your doctor for a brand recommendation.
Try ubiquinone. Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, may help convert fats and sugars into energy. In addition to being used to treat diabetes and congestive heart failure, ubiquinone may be used to treat white, pale gums and gum disease.
The FDA, however, has not cleared ubiquinone as medically-appropriate to treat any disease, so ubiquinone should not be used solely to treat gum disease.
Try a peroxide oral rinse. An oral rinse that contains hydrogen peroxide, such as Colgate Peroxyl, is an antiseptic and antibacterial that may help treat infection and relieve inflammation when it comes in contact with an enzyme in the mouth. Use this rinse no more than twice a week for three weeks in a row as it can cause tooth sensitivity
Use corsodyl spray. Corsodyl spray is a powerful spray that contains chlorhexidine gluconate, which has antibacterial and antiplaque properties. This is very helpful in handling gums issues ranging from pale gums, gums disease etc. Corsodyl spray may be used to treat any pain or discomfort associated with mouth ulcers, inflammation and infections of the mouth. Corsodyl spray can be used when brushing the teeth becomes difficult and/or painful, such as after surgery. Be sure to keep spray out of ears and eyes.
Try Gengigel gel. This gel contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body and may be used to heal certain wounds and stimulate the production of new tissue. For best results, apply at night before going to sleep.
More references

1. Causes of pale gums in humans: https://www.reference.com/health/causes-pale-gums-humans-fba3ed622aebd62d
2. Possible causes of pale gums: http://www.oramd.co.uk/palegums/possible-causes-for-pale-gums.html
3. Understanding anemia symptoms: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms
4. Gingivitis and periodontitis symptoms: http://www.livescience.com/44153-gingivitis-gum-disease.html
5. Leukoplakia symptoms: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/leukoplakia

Since serious gum infections are not extremely common, they can lead to major issues if not treated in a timely manner. While most of us aspire to keep our teeth and gums healthy, your gums can be prone to gum infection if not cared for properly. Infection occurs when germs or bacteria enter a susceptible site in the body and multiply, resulting in disease.
In your mouth, this can occur when bad bacteria multiply and congregate within the space between your gums and your teeth called the sulcus. If the bacteria are not removed, over time they can cause tissue breakdown and the formation of periodontal pockets and infections.

Link between gum disease and infected gums

Approximately 50 percent of adult Americans have gingivitis, an early and mild form of gum disease. However, only 5 to 15 percent of Americans have the more serious and advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. That’s because most people who visit their dentist regularly will find out about gum disease and treat it before it get more serious.
Periodontitis affects the area of your mouth just below the gum line, in the v-shaped crevice between your tooth and gums, known as the sulcus. This impacts the attachment of your tooth and causes the nearby tissue to break down. Once the tissue is damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that can store bacteria and lead to gum infection.

How can you tell if your gums are infected?

When the inside of your mouth gets hurt or irritated, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. Sometimes you will see a painful swelling filled with pus. Also, the area will get more swollen and painful. This is known as an abscess, which forms a barrier around the infection. This is one way that your body tries to keep a bacterial infection from spreading.
Abscesses can form very quickly. Sometimes they form only one or two days after the infection starts. There are two types of abscesses:

• A gum abscess (periodontal abscess) usually is caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.
• A tooth-related abscess (periapical abscess) occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth’s nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth’s root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

Sometimes the infection causes little or no pain. If an abscess is not treated, the infection can last for months or even years. It will not go away on its own, so it’s important not to ignore the symptoms.

What causes infected gums?

Gingivitis
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, infected gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk Factors

•  Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in girls/women.These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Other illnesses and their treatments.Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer.
• There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infected gums disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
• Genetic susceptibility.Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Who gets gum disease?

Those don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have infected gums than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Infected Gums Symptoms

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• longer appearing teeth

Any of these symptoms of infected gums may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:

• Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
• Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
• Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimetres. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.

The dentist or hygienist may also:

• Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
• Refer you to a periodontist; experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist.

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

Signs of Gum Cancer

Your infected gums feel strange, but not enough for you to know what the problem is. Maybe they’re irritated, they bleed when you brush or floss or you’ve noticed a white spot on the surface itself. There are a number of issues that can affect your gums, not necessarily limited to gingivitis. Although gum disease is the more common of the two affecting slightly more than 47 percent of all adults, oral cancer is also a legitimate possibility.
Gum cancer is even less common, affecting about 39,500 people in the U.S. this year as estimated by the American Cancer Society. Knowing how to tell the difference and when to see your dentist will help you keep your mouth healthy in spite of this uncomfortable condition.

Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any area of your mouth, from the lips to the gums and from the inner cheek tissue to the tongue. It is easily confused with gum disease. Nonetheless, the former is characterized by patches or irregular growths on the gums. These are known as erythroleukoplakia when they are red and white, leukoplakia when they are white or erythroplakia when they are red.

• Leukoplakia can be benign, whereas erythroleukoplakia and erythroplakia are more likely to be malignant. If you see any unusual growths on the surface of your infected gums, and they don’t clear up on their own after two weeks, scheduling an appointment with a dentist to have him or her, a biopsy of the area.

Signs of Gingivitis

The signs of gingivitis are quite different from the signs of oral or gum cancer, but there are two things these conditions have in common:

• In the early stages, neither tend to be painful. Areas of redness can be connected to either cancer or gingivitis, but the redness can go unnoticed between the two. When a person has gingivitis, his gums are usually dusky red, rather than a light pink.
• Secondly, gingivitis can make the gums more likely to bleed, become puffy or feel as tender to the touch as a cancerous gum line.

A deep cleaning at your dentist’s office, combined with a commitment to taking care of your teeth and gums at home, can help reverse gingivitis and prevent it from developing into a more severe form of periodontal disease.

Link Between gingivitis and oral cancer?

Having gingivitis shouldn’t necessarily worry you that it will develop into cancer, but there is some degree of connection between having gum disease and contracting cancer – not limited to oral cancer. Research has it that, men with gum disease carried a 14 percent higher risk for cancer than men without it.
There may be a greater risk for lung or pancreatic cancer in certain circumstances, as well. The exact reason for the connection isn’t quite clear, but it does highlight the importance of taking care of your mouth in the interest of the rest of your body.
What to Do

• The best way to reduce your risk for developing gingivitis, infected gums, gum cancer or another type of oral cancer is to see your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups. He can spot and diagnose any problems before they become bigger problems.
• Just as important is good oral care at home, which includes brushing twice a day, using a toothpaste and flossing at least once a day – all of which can minimize your chances of developing gingivitis.
• Avoiding cigarettes and tobacco products, and drinking only in moderation, can also help you cut your risk for developing an oral cancer that involves the gums.

Gingivitis and gum cancer are two very different conditions, but both of which you want to take seriously. Protect your mouth by seeing a dentist regularly.

Gum Ball on gums in Mouth

The presence of a lump, or mass, on the gums can be caused by several different conditions. It may be felt as a bump or hard or soft lump anywhere on the gums. An infection, such as a bacterial infection or localized abscess, can appear as a mass on the gums. Oral cancer or tumors of the teeth or jaw are rarer causes of a mass on the gums.
A cyst of the jaw is also a possible cause of gum balls or mass on the gums. Traumatic injuries and infected gum canker sores are some of the more common causes of a mass on the gums. Sometimes, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause a small lump or bump to form near the gum line, known as a granuloma gravidarum.

What causes gumballs in Mouth

Gum balls can sometimes be an allergic reaction to something you ate. For example, there are people who cannot eat spearmint. The spearmint causes her to develop gum balls in her mouth. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the gum ball and gargle with warm salt water.

Gum Infection Home Remedies

Treating infected gums isn’t especially difficult. In fact, there are numerous home remedies for gum disease you can utilize right here. But you don’t really have to suffer from bleeding, swollen, irritated gums; there are certainly other options when it comes to invasive dental treatments meant to treat periodontal disease.
Natural home remedies for infected gums
Here are natural home remedies for gum disease that will make your dentists’ head spin at your next appointment:
Oil Pulling
This method has been raved about not only for curing swollen, red gums, but even reversing gum disease with bone loss. It ‘pulls’ toxins right out of your mouth and gums. It removes plaque build-up and has been studied in several to be very effective. Just be sure to use 100% organic oil sesame, olive, or coconut is best because you wouldn’t want to be swishing pesticide-laden oils around in your mouth for several minutes at a time.
Sage Leaf Decoction
This is an old remedy for gingivitis and gum disease. All you need to do is boil around 50 fresh organic sage leaves in some distilled water and then gargle the decoction several times a day as well as use it like a mouthwash. You can also make a sage tea and drink it throughout the day. Sage has huge amounts of antioxidants and it also contains it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Garlic and Turmeric Paste for infected gums
Use garlic cloves on irritated gums, or simply make a garlic & turmeric paste to use like toothpaste, then rinse after it has been in your mouth for several minutes. Both of these naturally-occurring foods are full of antibacterial properties, and turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory agent.
Mustard Oil
This method has been used for hundreds of years to combat bad dental hygiene. It destroys bacteria in the mouth and heals the gums very fast. It also has pain-reducing qualities along with being anti-microbial and anti-bacterial.
Aloe Vera Gel 
Best when it comes straight form the plant, aloe vera is a great anti-inflammatory that is especially helpful if your gums are red and inflamed.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Not only do fruits and vegetables with skins help clean the teeth, but the antioxidants in both fruits and vegetables also prevent plaque build-up in the mouth.

Gum Infection Treatment over the Counter

Antimicrobial therapy is the use of chemicals to kill or slow down the growth of bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The two most common forms of this therapy are antiseptics and antibiotics. Antiseptics are found in mouth rinses. They usually are used to help prevent periodontal disease.
Antibiotics are used to kill specific bacteria. They are placed under the gums or given as pills to treat infected gums. Antibiotic pills typically are given only for acute (sudden and short-term) infections. Acute and long-term (chronic) gum infections require a procedure called scaling and root planning. Some people also may need periodontal surgery.
One of the newest ways to kill bacteria is laser therapy. Dentists now use lasers to kill bacteria in the gum pockets around teeth. This treatment also seems to stimulate healing.
What It’s Used For
Periodontal disease is caused by specific types of bacteria. Killing these bacteria can help to prevent and treat the disease.
Antiseptics
Bacteria can grow and form clusters or colonies on the tongue and tonsils and in the saliva. Mouth rinses can control the excess growth of bacteria. The goal is to prevent them from causing disease. These rinses contain:

• Alcohol
• Chlorhexidine
• Povodine iodine
• 1% sodium hypo-chloride

Rinses also can be used at home to wash out the pockets around the teeth with irrigation devices.
Antibiotics for infected gums
Dentists often prescribe antibiotics to treat an acute gum infection called an abscess. A periodontist also may use antibiotics for some cases of gum disease that are hard to treat. They include:

• Necrotizing lacerative gingivitis a rare form of periodontal disease that becomes severe very quickly
• Severe forms of periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
• Periodontal disease that has not improved with other types of treatment
• Periodontal disease in people who have weakened immune systems

The type of antibiotic prescribed depends upon the exact type of the bacteria. Several antibiotics have been used to treat aggressive periodontal disease.
Most of the time, the first treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planning. This combined approach can successfully treat many forms of periodontal disease.
How It’s Done
Your dentist may prescribe a specific antiseptic rinse. You can buy some rinses over the counter. You do not need a prescription for them.
If you are given antibiotics in oral (pill) form, you will take them for 7 to 10 days.
Your dentist also can place an antibiotic directly into the affected parts of your mouth. This is called local therapy. It can take several forms, including:

• Gel— your dentist injects a gel containing doxycycline under your gums. The area is sealed and covered with a special bandage called a periodontal pack. After 7 to 10 days, your dentist removes the bandage and any remaining gel.
• Powder— your dentist squirts a powder containing minocycline under your gums. The powder dissolves over three weeks.

If your dentist owns a dental laser, it will be used after root planning and scaling. The dentist places the laser tip in the space between your tooth and gum, then moves it around the entire tooth. This process begins from the base of each pocket. The dentist can treat your whole mouth at one time. This will eliminate the bacteria in the pockets throughout your mouth.
More references

1. Mouth abscess: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/article/abscess
2. Gingivitis and periodontal disease: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1

This type of a condition can affect your appearance and be embarrassing, but they are not generally a cause for concern and there are many potential causes. However they are still worth investigating as in some cases they may be a sign of oral malignant melanoma which is a form of oral cancer and can be fatal. Here we will look at a range of potential causes of black gums, and how you can treat them to get them back to their natural pinkish color.

What does it mean when you have Black Spot on your Gums

Dark spots on your gums can be signs of harmless or deadly conditions, depending on its nature. Some oral cancers manifest as black spots in their early stages.
Serious gum disease can also lead to the existence of dark spots or formations on your teeth and gums. Always consult your dentist if you notice spots on your gums for a thorough diagnosis.

What could be the cause of black spot on gums?

Calculus
This is a hard, calcified deposit formed from hardened dental plaque, oral debris, saliva and minerals. This hard residue forms on and under the gum line, between the surface of teeth and the gum tissue. Its colour can range from yellow to black. These deposits can give the appearance of spots on the gums and are an indication of dental hygienic habits and conditions that lead to gum disease.
Proper daily flossing will prevent its build-up. If you already have calculus along your gum line, see your dentist right away. Your dentist can remove excessive calculus deposits and assess the severity of your gum disease.
Amalgam Tattoos
If you have fillings, crowns or dentures, you may develop amalgam tattoos. They are grey, blue or black spot on gums that occur when small particles of amalgam become embedded within the oral membranes. These spots remain the same size and have a regular, round and flat appearance. Even though these spots pose no dangers, certain oral cancers in their early stages resemble amalgam tattoos hence, any new spots or discoloration should be examined right away.
Malignant Melanoma
It is usually rare inside of the mouth, but in its oral form it is most often fatal. Oral melanoma begins as a small black spot on gums or anywhere within the interior of the mouth. In its early stages, it may resemble an amalgam tattoo. As the cancer progresses, its colour may be tan, dark brown or black mixed with red or grey. Its size will increase as it encompasses more of the mouth and its shape will change irregularly as it grows.
Bruises
As the gums are darker than the rest of our bodies, bruises there can appear darker too. Small bruises on the gums could be the result of impact to the face or brushing too hard across them.
Hyper-Pigmentation
Sometimes black spot on gum develop simply as a result of too much pigment. This can be a genetically inherited trait, or it can develop on its own. If this is the case however then it is not a cause for concern and if you wish to have them removed they can be with laser treatment. This is more common in those with already dark skin and the black spot on gums themselves are sometimes called ‘melanin spots’ – melanin being the name of the natural pigment.
Hardened Plaque
In some cases hardened plaque attached to the gums can cause dark patches. This hardened black spot on gum is also known as tartar and can also appear in many other colours. Make sure to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly and regularly to avoid this, and to visit a dentist to have it removed if it does develop once it has appeared it can’t be removed by regular brushing or glossing, as it can also cause bad breath.
Cigarettes and Medication
Some people may have discoloured gums from smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications such as minocycline, tricyclic antidepressants, or metal-based crown fillings. If you notice gum discoloration after you start taking a new medication, consult your doctor for possible alternatives.
Disease & Conditions
There are also other reasons for gum discoloration or black spot on gums that cause a higher concern. First is acute necrotizing periodontal disease, also referred to as black gum disease. This black discoloration of the gums is due to dead tissue, or necrosis. This is a serious health issue, with symptoms that can also include bleeding gums, strong pain, and a foul smelling mouth.
Along with improper oral care, the causes of this disease can include stress, smoking, viral infections, and HIV. If left untreated, the disease can spread to your cartilage and then bone, causing very serious health concerns. You can treat acute necrotizing periodontal disease with antibiotics or by surgically removing the dead tissue.
Warning
Those black spots on gums can also be caused by serious conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. If you have a rash on other areas of your body in addition to dark spots on your gums, seek medical attention without hesitating.

Can you get Dark Spots on Gums from Smoking?

Smoker’s melanosis is seen with the naked eye as a brown to black pigmentation of the oral tissue i.e. the gums, cheeks or palate as well as in larynx. It is most often seen in the lower labial gingiva of tobacco users.
However, it is also frequently reported from genetically melanin-pigmented inhabitants and besides cigarette and pipe smokers also in chutta, bidi users and reverse smokers.
The brown to black colour is melanin. In skin, melanin prevents harmful UV-light to reach deeper, sensible parts of the tissue.
If UV-light penetrates deep, some of the toxic substances due to the UV-light damage to the cells, are bound to melanin in the epithelial cells and travel with the ageing cells to the skin surface, where they are expelled from the tissue surface.
In this way the melanocytes and keratinocytes together protect the tissue with melanin serving as a toxic defence- and cleaning agent.
In tobacco-users the melanocytes are stimulated to produce melanin granules and to distribute them out to the surrounding epithelial cells for further transport to the mucosal surface, like the mechanism in melanin-pigmented skin.
How smoking Causes black spot on gums 
Smoking or the use of nicotine-containing drugs is the cause to Smoker’s melanosis. Also tar-components are known to stimulate melanocytes to melanin production, and other unknown toxic agents in tobacco may also be the cause.
These chemical agents have a polycyclic, chain-like structure. Environmental tobacco smoke from parents is causing smoker’s melanosis in their children. Swedish snuff causes a small elevation of oral melanin pigmented individuals from 3.0% to 4.7%. Nicotine tablets have shown to stimulate to melanin pigmentation of the oral mucosa.
Treatment and prognosis
The lesion usually disappears in between 3 months to 3 years in those who stop smoking. Smoker’s melanosis is a benign, normal physiological reaction, and does not develop into cancer. If it does not disappear, however, a biopsy can verify the diagnosis.
If Smoker’s melanosis is destroyed by excessive smoking resulting in black spot on gums, as in the hard palate of reverse smokers, who smoke with the glowing part of the cigarette inside the mouth for different reasons, a pale de-pigmented surface is first seen, indicating the loss of the protecting melanin.
Then a red inflammation sometimes occurs and cancer development may follow. In reverse smokers it is important to inspect regularly the areas with smoker’s melanosis to detect any melanin destruction, in order to stop smoking in time and thus prevent a cancer to develop.

Black Spot on Gums near Tooth

This condition on gums can be caused by acute necrotizing periodontal disease, bruises, hyper pigmentation, hardened plaque (near teeth), amalgam tattoos (caused when tiny pieces from a filling or cap wedge themselves into the gums), freckles, a varicose vein, a melanoma, smoking, and certain medications such as minocycline, antimalarial agents, or tricyclic antidepressants
In this case, it is very important to see your dentist as your tooth may at the risk of decaying or the whole jaw bone may be in problems. A black spot on gum that appear near a tooth may be a sign that your tooth is decaying or have some infections.

Black Spot on Gum near Wisdom Tooth

Your wisdom teeth (third molars) usually start to erupt during late adolescence. Sometimes, there is not enough room for them, and they come in partially or not at all. This condition can lead to pericoronitis, inflammation of the gum surrounding the tooth. When only part of the tooth has erupted into the mouth, it can create a flap of gum tissue that easily holds food particles and debris and is a hotbed for bacteria.
Pericoronitis also can occur around a wisdom tooth that has not erupted at all and is still under the gums, causing a black spot to emerge.
Symptoms include:

• Painful, swollen gum tissue in the area of the affected tooth, which can make it difficult to bite down comfortably without catching the swollen tissue between your teeth
• A bad smell or taste in the mouth
• Discharge of pus from the gum near the tooth
• Black spot on gum

More serious symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes under your chin (the submandibular nodes)
• Muscle spasms in the jaw
• Swelling on the affected side of the face

Reasons for Black Spot on Gums Painful

When you think of a great set of teeth and gums, you probably imagine pearly white teeth and healthy pink gums. So if you happen to notice that your gums have turned black, grey, or white, or with a black spot to name it, you may be quite concerned.
While some gum discoloration is a natural occurrence, other discoloration can be hazardous to your health and require serious attention. These may be seen with a symptom of much pain from the gum and in severe cases the general body. To some people, any oral condition is accompanied with swelling of the cheek on the affected side.

How to get rid of Dark Spots on gums

Gums have an essential role to play for enhancing our smile. They make our overall appearance beautiful and we all wish to have pink and healthy gums. Slightly darkening of gums tends to make us self-conscious about our face. Many a time, poor oral care and bad lifestyle leads to these conditions.
There are numerous factors which lead to darkening of gums. Knowing the condition behind the black spot on gum is the first step towards healing.
Sometimes, our gums turn greyish because of the accidental implantation of the silver amalgam in our gum tissue while we restore or extract teeth.  These patches are spotted by black gums around the crown, filling and dentures, and are called ‘amalgamation tattoos’ by the doctors.
These conditions have to be treated by an oral care specialist. Some of the changes in lifestyle that you’d be asked to make would include:

• Brushing and flossing properly. At least twice a day or thrice.
• Gargling with a mouthwash or gargling with lukewarm water added with salt. To repeat twice a day.
• Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco
• Following a diet which have proper vitamins, minerals and other necessary nutrients
• Adopting method to reduce stress, for instance, yoga and meditation
• Going to the dentist for check-ups and clean-ups at regularly intervals

How to make gums pink?

Getting pinker gums mean that you are promoting improved oral hygiene. There are some regular methods to follow in your daily routine which helps you get and maintain pink gums:
Toothpaste
You have to be wise enough to choose proper toothpaste, which is specifically designed to help you improve your gums. You might have to pay some extra bucks but you would get the desired results.
Toothbrush
Primarily, buy a toothbrush, which has American Dental Association’s seal on the package. This should be followed by some more aspects because:

• You have to buy a toothbrush which can be easily maneuvered through your mouth to avoid getting a black spot on gums.
• You have to avoid brushes with hard bristled, as they can increase black spot on gums further
• You have to get a soft to medium bristled toothbrush
• You have to make sure that the bristles have rounded tips
• You could even opt for an electric toothbrush as they are better than the regular ones. They have the ‘rotation oscillation’ facility, which makes the bristles move back and forth at a same pack.

Brush before meals
The conventional practice has taught us to brush after meals, but dentist suggest the opposite. They are concerned with removing the plaque which is formed on every tooth and not on food removal which we seemed to stress more on.
Use a mouthwash
Mouthwash is important because this clean-up the entire mouth and not only the teeth. They reduce bad breath and keep your tongue clean. Choose a product sealed by American Dental Association. While buying, make sure that it is formulated for gum health, and not over cosmetic for fresher breath. Also, avoid the mouthwashes with alcohol content, as they dry the skin out.
Don’t use a mouthwash immediately after brushing. This could lessen some benefits of brushing teeth hence not efficiently cabbing that black spot on gums. Use it before brushing or 1 hour after brushing.
Regular check-ups
Even if you decide to promote oral care at home, you have to keep certain things in mind, like removing plaque build-up, whitening teeth, etc. You might keep a periodical check-up routine with a dentist who would tell you the developed conditions of your oral care.
How often you’d meet a doctor would be on your own needs are preference, but having your teeth checked up once a year is necessary. Your dentist would let you know about further check-ups.

Home remedies for black spot on gums

Green tea; It is rich in antioxidants and is known to be the elixir of healthcare. Green tea is known to treat numerous diseases. It helps you reduce darkening of gums, inflammation of gum and also destroys the bacteria which is formulated in our mouth, and is the cause of periodontal issues. Have a cup of green tea every morning to promote stronger teeth.
Aloe vera
It is famous for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Take fresh gel from aloe vera plant for brushing your teeth. Simply take the gel and apply on your teeth. After that, take a toothbrush and spread the gel while you brush it all over. This would prevent receding of gums and heal infections, if any.
Coconut oil
It is antimicrobial in nature. It is another amazing remedy for treating our gums from receding and also the causes behind it. Take virgin coconut oil to swish your mouth after brushing teeth. It acts like a layer of protection again diseases which are caused by bacteria. This also helps you get rid of the food particles which stick in-between two teeth.
Lemon oil
It is great in treatment of black spot on gums. Has antiseptic qualities which act like an amazing antibacterial agent. Though, direct application of lemon oil isn’t recommended as it can lead to enamel corrosion. You can prepare lemon oil with added lemon with olive oil and let it blend well for a few weeks. This oil can then be used for swishing your mouth every morning. It’ll kill bacteria and prevent gums from receding. Lemon also promotes formation of tissues which can replace the damaged once.
Eucalyptus
This is an essential oil which kills germs from mouth and reduces gum diseases and tooth decay. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and reduces swelling of gums too. Take some of the oil and add water to dilute. Massage the content on your gums and repeat daily. Rinse off with water and promote growth of tissues.
Clove
Cloves act as an essential ingredient to improve oral care. Clove oil has antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties which stimulates the growth and repairs the damaged tissues. They act as a powerful ingredient to stop the bacterial action with frequent usage. Massage teeth with clove oil every day for improved gums.
Tea tree oil
 It can be diluted and then used for swishing of mouth. It prevents gums from receding and root damage. The oil is very strong, and cannot be used with diluting. The tea-tree oil is anti-fungal and microbial which kills the germs and reduces plaques on teeth and between teeth and gums.
Rose vinegar
Good for black spot on gums. It helps to strengthen gums and can be used for rinsing the mouth. To make this you need to add 3 ounces of rose petals and then soak them in red wine vinegar. Let the water steep for a week and then strain it. You could also add 1 tablespoon of rose vinegar to 1 cup of warm water for rinsing your mouth every day.
Salt
Using salt for oral hygiene is a quick and easy hack to get whiter teeth and better looking gums. Salt is known to feel gum diseases at bay and make them look healthier. You can also prevent gum pain with the usage of this available home ingredient.
Consume calcium
Calcium content is very important for better oral health. It makes your bones stronger and your teeth whiter. If you drink orange juice, consume yogurt, cheese, broccoli, etc. you will not have to take supplements for calcium. Vitamin D is another add on which is require for oral health. If you consume vitamin B, it will protect gums and teeth from breaking and bleeding. Other mineral good for dental hygiene is, copper, zinc, iron, potassium and iodine.
More references

1. Black dots on gums: https://www.reference.com/health/black-dot-gums-cf825a08b8659e4a#
2. What causes dark spots on human gums: http://www.livestrong.com/article/148040-what-causes-dark-spots-on-human-gums/
3. Smoker’s melanosis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoker’s_melanosis
4. Causes of black spot on human gum near tooth: https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-black-spot-on-a-human-gum-near-a-tooth

Bleeding gums are caused by inadequate plaque removal. Plaque contains germs which attack the healthy tissue around the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed and irritated, which may cause them to bleed when brushing or flossing. This kind of condition is known as Gingivitis and is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually a painless condition and bleeding gums may be the only symptom.
Some other signs may include: swollen, red or tender gums; persistent bad breath or taste; teeth that are loose; and a change in the way your teeth fit when you bite. At this stage the disease can be treated and completely reversed. So it is important not to ignore your bleeding gums.

Plaque that is not removed from bleeding gums will eventually cause the gums to separate and recede from the teeth. Once your gums begin to recede, pockets can form between the teeth and gums allowing germs to get trapped inside these pockets, attacking the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Plaque will eventually harden into tartar. At this point, Gingivitis has progressed into the more serious condition called Periodontitis.

Effects of Bleeding Gums to overall health

Bleeding gums causes gum Disease as a more serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Although in rare cases, even men’s sexual health can be affected by gum disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association between gum disease and these other conditions.
Bleeding gums causes are most often a sign of gum disease, but can also point to a number of other health problems as well. Occasional bleeding of the gums can be the result of brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. Frequent episodes of gum bleeding, however, can indicate more serious conditions, such as:

• periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)
• leukaemia (cancer of the blood)
• vitamin deficiency
• lack of clotting cells (platelets)

Why are Bleeding Gums a Sign of?

Bleeding of the gums can be as a sign that you have or may develop gum disease as we discussed earlier. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. For some people, even if they are die- hard flossers, chances are that they may see an occasional drop or two of blood post string- session.
If your gums are bleeding, know that it’s not a normal thing, not even when you have your teeth prophessionally cleaned. If your gums are bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, you may be having periodontal, which is commonly known as gum disease. This gum disease is a contagious bacterial infection that can wreak havoc in your health. It can destroy gums, erode your jawbone, and lead to tooth loss.
There are two fronts to bleeding gums;

• The plague- which is a biofilm of bacteria and its waste products which first create the irritation to the gum tissue.
• Body reaction to that wounding, the inflammatory response.

When all these two are put together and you have got inflamed, bleeding gums. The longer you have inflammation, the more at risk you are for all kinds of systemic illnesses, ranging from allergies to cancer.

What do Bleeding Gums Mean? Causes

Bleeding gums are most often a sign of disease of the gum, but can also point to a number of other health problems as well. However, bleeding of the gums can be the result of brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly.

Dental Conditions that Cause Bleeding Gums

Dental care issues are the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums and periodontitis make your gums sensitive and more prone to bleeding.
Gingivitis
A number of us may develop gingivitis when plaque remains on the gum line for too long. Plaque refers to the debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and can prevent you from developing cavities, also known as dental caries. Plaque may stay on your gum line, however, if you don’t brush and floss properly. The accumulation of plaque near your gums can cause gingivitis.
Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• puffy gums
• soreness in the mouth and around the gums
• bleeding gums

Periodontitis
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, can occur when gingivitis continues to an advanced stage. Periodontal is the infection of the gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Bleeding gum causes can also be deficiencies of vitamins C and K which cause gums to bleed easily. However, vitamin deficiencies aren’t often seen in people who live in developed countries, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This is because healthy children and adults living in developed areas of the world have access to vitamins C and K through food and supplements.
Talk to your dentist to check your levels of vitamins C and K if you encounter bleeding gums that aren’t caused by improper dental care. Follow a diet that contains both of these nutrients to ensure that you’re getting the vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• citrus fruits and juices,
• broccoli, strawberries,
• tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers

Foods rich in vitamin K include:

• Watercress, kale, spinach

• Swiss chard
• lettuce
• mustard greens
• soybeans
• canola oil
• olive oil

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
People who wear dentures also may experience bleeding of the gums from time to time. This is more likely when the dentures are too small or fit too tightly. Consult your dentist or orthodontist if dentures or other oral appliances are causing your gums to bleed. You may need to take new impressions to create a better-fitting mouthpiece.
Pregnancy
This is also another common cause of gum bleeding in women. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the gums to become more sensitive.
Bleeding disorders
These kind of conditions such as haemophilia and leukaemia, can also increase your chance of bleeding gums. Your gums might bleed more often if you take blood-thinning medications. Drugs in this class include warfarin, aspirin, and heparin.
More other bleeding gum causes are:
Age: The incidence of gum disease increases with age. 50% of adults 30 years or older and 70% of those over 65 have gum disease.
Stress: Stress is linked to many serious conditions, including periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications: Some prescription medications can increase your risk of gum disease such as anti-depressants, certain heart medications and oral contraceptives. Check with your doctor or dentist to learn if your medication can affect your gums.
Genetics: Some of us are just predisposed to get gum disease. If you think this applies to you, your dentist can perform a simple genetic test to determine your risk.
Other risk factors:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Clenching or grinding teeth
• Tobacco use

Bleeding Gums without Brushing

It is possible that gingivitis could be the cause of bleeding gums without brushing. However, bleeding of the gums without any trauma could represent a potentially serious underlying disorder and should be evaluated by your primary care physician. Gingivitis more typically causes bleeding on the toothbrush with even minimal and light brushing.
You should have your blood counts checked to make sure that you do not have a very low platelet count or another type of functional clotting disorder, which could be a predispose to easy bleeding and bruising of the gums. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of scurvy, which is a problem caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. This could be the cause of your symptoms if you follow a very poor diet low particularly low in citrus.
If your blood tests produce fine results and your doctor thinks the symptoms are more likely caused by gingivitis, then you should seek further care from your dentist or a periodontist. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately.

Bleeding Gums when Brushing

You’re brushing your teeth and notice a bit of pink when you spit out the toothpaste. You might notice some bleeding when you floss. Although the smallest amount of blood might not seem like a big deal, if your gums are bleeding consistently, you shouldn’t ignore it. Changing your oral care routine can also make your gums bleed, at least at first.
If you notice bleeding gums after your child brushes their teeth, this may be a sign of a serious health issue. Even though everyone has experienced a little gum bleeding every now and then, excessive or frequent bleeding can be a symptom of a much larger problem.

Causes bleeding Gums when brushing

There are numerous conditions why your child’s gums or your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. The main cause is usually from a build-up of plaque at the gum line.
When plaque is left around the gum line for too long, it can either:

• Inflame the gums, which causes them to bleed and leads to gingivitis
• Harden into tartar, which will increase the bleeding and potentially turn into periodontitis

However, there are also several other reasons for bleeding gums after brushing:

• Brushing too hard
• Bad flossing technique
• Tooth- or gum-related infections
• Vitamin K deficiency

If you notice a lot of blood and think your child is having an emergency, seek urgent care immediately. The best way to know for sure why your child’s gums bleed after brushing their teeth is to visit your nearest dentist.

Bleeding Gums Symptoms Checker

Dentistry by Design is helping you find all your causes or conditions for your current symptoms for mouth, teeth or oral health care in one location. Please remember the Dental Symptoms Checker provided is for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Bleeding, redness, and painful or sore gums can be a symptom of inflammation of the gums that arises due to a number of different causes. Bleeding of the gums is sometimes referred to as gingival bleeding, and it may occur during brushing or flossing. The soreness can be accompanied by swelling of the gum tissues.
Blood-thinner medications are another potential cause of bleeding gums. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may lead to increased bleeding in some cases. Those with chronic conditions that affect the function of the immune system, such as HIV infection or diabetes, may also have an increased tendency to develop gingivitis.

What to do when your Gums are bleeding

As we have looked at different conditions that may cause your gums to bleed, let us also find out ways to handle these situations. What step to take while your gums are bleeding may differ as per the cause of the bleeding. Here we are going to look at general activities that may help to handle your situation.
You may carry out the following:
Step up your oral care game
As per research findings, the biggest cause of bleeding gums is plaque build-up along the gum line. When you don’t remove plaque in a timely manner, it hardens into tartar, a calcified material that plaque adheres to and continues to irritate the gums, which cause them to bleed and can progress into more advanced forms of gum disease. The best way to reduce plaque build-up and your risk for bleeding gums is to up your oral care routine.
Do the brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day as well; gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis not just when you have a problem or concern is also a must to keep your mouth in the best shape.
Take a look at your tools
If you do brush and floss regularly and get your semi-annual dental visit in, your oral hygiene care tools could be what’s causing your gums bleed. Although it might seem that a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles cleans your teeth and gums more deeply or thoroughly, harder bristles usually just cause irritation – which can be why your gums are bleeding.
Using a toothbrush with soft bristles, such as Colgate 360, which cleans your teeth and gums thoroughly without irritation.
In some cases, it might not be the tools that are causing the bleeding, but the way you’re using them. If you’ve been out of the habit of flossing, start again. You might see a bit of blood at your gum line, but remember to always use a gentle hand and avoid pressing the floss against your teeth and gums to hard.
Maintain a healthy diet
What you eat and when you eat it also plays a part in keeping your gums from bleeding. Foods that contain lots of sugar or simple carbohydrates increase your risk for tooth and gum problems, as sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque to form. Commit to a diet that is low in sugar and high in the necessary nutrients found in foods like vegetables.
Do not stop using them. Just remember to eat them in moderation, and brush after these snacks so that the sugar doesn’t have time to stick around.
Investigate your medicine
Certain medications also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It’s also possible for a prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether.
Visit your dentist
If changing your oral care habits, adjusting your medications, and maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t help your gums stop bleeding, your next step should be to make an appointment with your dentist. He will examine your teeth and gums and determine if you have a more serious condition, such as advanced gum disease.
Your dentist might also take an x-ray of the teeth and gums. If he believes treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, you’ll likely visit with a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum disease.
In some cases, bleeding gums are no big deal, but in certain instances can warrant professional treatment. With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can become a thing of the past.

How do I get my Gums to Stop Bleeding

Although it might seem normal to experience a little bit of bleeding while brushing or flossing, it shouldn’t be ignored. Bleeding gums could be a sign of a number of dental conditions, but it’s usually a symptom of gum disease. In some cases, the causes of bleeding gums may be the result of injuries or infections of the teeth. 
Being aware of the symptoms can help you catch gum disease early and possibly reverse it through gum disease treatment. Bleeding is often one of the first signs there’s a problem with your gums. Bleeding that’s accompanied by red, swollen gums, tenderness, bad breath or tooth sensitivity are symptoms of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Bleeding accompanied by receding gums is also a common symptom of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
The best bleeding gums treatment is to remove from your teeth the plaque bacteria that causes gum disease. When dental plaque builds up, it turns into tartar, a hard, sticky substance that adheres to your teeth. Without regular teeth cleaning, dental tartar can become a breeding ground for even more plaque, which can creep below the gum line and lead to an infection that causes bleeding gums.
So if you notice that you have bleeding gums, see a dentist as soon as you can. Seeking bleeding gums treatment at the first sign of a problem can help reverse gingivitis and help prevent periodontitis disease.
Other treatment options, such as scaling and root planning procedures, slow down the process of gum disease. If you suffer from an advanced form of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend ongoing bleeding gums treatment or periodontal therapy. In some cases, dental surgery may be needed to control the bleeding.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums
The best way to stop bleeding gums is to see your dentist. Your dentist can give you tips on how to stop bleeding gums in between dental visits. That advice might include some of the following tips:

• Use a soft toothbrush – and brush properly! Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and after meals. Hard brushing can further damage the soft tissues of your mouth.
• Floss at least once a day and be sure to floss beyond the gum line to remove more plaque.
• Control bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a cold compress.
• Rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to keep the area clean. Avoidmouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth.
• Stay away fromsmoking and other tobacco products, which can aggravate bleeding gums
• Eat a balanced diet and limitsnacking between meals. Carbohydrates and sugars feed dental plaque.
• Try an oral irrigation device, commonly known as a “water pick,” to clear debris from around the gum line.
• Have your dentures aligned as needed.

If you have bleeding gums, visit a dentist. A dentist is the expert you can count on to explain the causes of bleeding gums and to advise a treatment plan.
More references;

1. Causes of bleeding gums: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/bleeding-gums
2. Bleeding gums and their causes: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm
3. Bleeding gums: http://www.medicinenet.com/bleeding_gums/symptoms.htm
4. Five things you can do if your gums are bleeding: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/article/five-things-you-can-do-if-your-gums-are-bleeding-1014