Can gum discoloration due to tobacco chewing be reverted?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was chewing tobacco for the past few years and I stopped it forever. But sometimes, I have a little throbbing sensation on my gums and the color of my gums changed to black. I can also feel a mild irritation during the pulsation of the gums. Is this any serious disease? Can I recover the color of my gums? Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I am here to answer your queries.
It is good that you stopped chewing tobacco. My questions are-
- For how many years have you had the habit of tobacco chewing?
- And what was the frequency?
- At what site do you use to keep the tobacco?
- Is the change of your gum color limited or is it generalized?
- Do you have any burning sensation over that site?
- Do you experience any loss of taste?
Kindly answer my questions to rule out possibilities, so that we can come to a diagnosis and can plan treatment. I would like to see the images of your concerned area, that is your gums where you are noticing the change.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
The duration of using tobacco is four years but I did not use it continuously. I used to dip the tobacco into the gap between the gums and lips. And the color change happened in the past two years. I have no burning sensation in that area. I can taste all types of foods.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Color change or white patch development is not a good sign. I suggest you do the following at home:
1. Strict stoppage of tobacco or alcohol consumption.
2. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
3. Increased intake of vitamin A supplements.
4. Increased intake of beta-carotene supplements.
5. Increase intake of retinoids.
But, since you mentioned that it has been two years since you noticed the color change, I advise you to visit your dentist. The dentist will do a clinical checkup. If it is suspicious, then a biopsy will be needed for the lesion.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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