Mouth And Teeth / Question
Published: June 4, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm worried about my gums. They are light pink to a white in color but my gums don't really bother me and when I brush my teeth they only bleed a little bit. I'm worried about my gums color. Does this mean I'm losing my teeth because your gums are suppose to be dark pink to a reddish color and mine are light pink to a white color?
Signed: Gum Health
Dear Gum Health,
There is a great spectrum of colors for healthy gums depending on race and complexion, but if there has been a recent change in color, this may be a sign that you need to discuss with your healthcare provider. Gum color has little to do with losing your teeth, but it can be an indicator of poor health or anemia (a condition where there are not enough red blood cells to carry adequate amounts of oxygen to all the body's tissues). This condition can be diagnosed through a practically painless blood test that checks for iron levels in the blood. Anemia can often times be easily treated with iron supplements or a diet change to include foods high in iron.
Bleeding gums can be okay, but should be checked out by your dentist just to be sure. A dentist should examine teeth and gums every six months, and you should bring up any concerns regarding the condition of your teeth and gums.
FX again recommends that you speak with your dentist and/or your healthcare provider regarding your concerns. Also, do a search of TeenHealthFX to look up other questions that have been submitted and answered on dental health.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t, yet only 1 in 4 teens report having these conversations. 
