Why are My Gums Turning Grey?

The areas in and around the mouth should be certain colors. The tongue is pinkish, teeth are white-ish, unless they need a good cleaning—and gums are pink—or are they? Healthy gums are indeed some shade of pink. If you look in the mirror and see that they aren’t, and they appear grey, something’s off. Understanding the cause of grey gums is essential for determining necessary treatment by your dentist in Houston, TX.

Gum Disease and Tissue Discoloration

The first thing that should spring to mind is advanced gum disease. Infections in the gums reduce blood flow and allow bacteria to thrive, which can cause tissue to die and appear grey or even black in severe cases. This discoloration is often a sign that gum tissue is damaged and needs treatment.

Laser Dentistry for Gum Disease

Laser dentistry is a modern, minimally invasive treatment option for gum disease. A dental laser targets and removes infected tissue while killing harmful bacteria beneath the gum line. This process stimulates healing and preserves healthy tissue. It’s less invasive than traditional surgery and typically results in less bleeding and swelling.

Grey Gums After Laser Treatment

If you’ve recently had laser gum therapy, you should know that your gums aren’t going to be pink and healthy-looking immediately afterward. The gums will need a little bit of time to heal The discoloration you see right after laser dentistry can result from tissue cauterization during the procedure or the formation of a natural protective layer over the treated areas. This is temporary and should resolve as your gums heal and regenerate.

Laser dentistry in Houston, TX is effective in treating gum disease and promoting quicker recovery. With proper aftercare, the grey color will typically fade, and your gums will return to a healthy pink appearance.