Are there other reasons my gums would look yellow?

There are a number of other serious medical conditions that could cause gum discoloration. Anemia, for example may cause your gums to lighten in color. If the discoloration is occurring in spots, you may  need to be checked for a tooth abscess. When an infection develops in a tooth, sometimes an abscess forms. Often, a draining fistula will form along the gums in order to help relieve the pressure underneath the tooth. This may appear as a yellow or white cyst or pimple along the gum line.

If you notice discoloration in your gums, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Hopkins right away. In addition to checking for conditions such as gum disease and tooth abscesses, your dentist will also need to perform an oral cancer screening. Although it is one of the lesser-known forms of the disease, it is estimated that more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the US each year. Though it is usually found on the tongue or lips, dark or discolored spots on the gums may indicate oral cancer as well. This type of cancer can spread very quickly, and it is important to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible in order to achieve the best possible outcome.