Bleaching your gums sounds like something out of an old horror movie, but in reality, it is not an uncommon cosmetic procedure. There are many factors which cause gums to be discolored: medications, genetics, chain smoking, a particular ethnicity, etc. Here are the top three reasons why most cosmetic dentistry patients request gum bleaching as a follow-up procedure to whiter smiles.

Discolored Gums Are More Noticeable with Whiter Teeth

The whiter your teeth, the more noticeable your gums are by contrast. When they are not a healthy pink, or pinkish brown in darker-skinned people, the extra melanin in your gums really makes them stand out. Instead of getting attention for your newer, whiter smile, you may still try to keep from smiling because you are uncomfortable with the way your gums look.

Concern Over What the Opposite Sex Thinks

More women than men will opt for gum bleaching because they are concerned that their discolored gums may be perceived as unhealthy. Some of the healthiest gum tissue can still have darker discolorations in them. Still, no one wants to be perceived as unhealthy, or as someone who does not take good care of their oral hygiene. Since much of physical intimacy is connected to the human mouth, the perception of diseased or dead gum tissue can be quite a turn-off, resulting in a rejection of the person with dark gums. Bleaching your gums completely turns that perception around, inviting potential sex partners and mates to get closer.

Preventing Gingivitis 

While you will not be allowed to bleach your gums if you already have gingivitis, the flip side of the coin is that you can prevent gingivitis with gum bleaching. Ergo, if you have your gums bleached when they are healthy, you do not have to worry about gingivitis any time soon. The procedure uses a laser to remove the top layer of gum tissue, from the base of the teeth to the base of the gums, killing bacteria as the gum tissue is removed. As your gums heal, they harden and become more impervious to gingivitis.

Finding a Dentist or Periodontist That Bleaches Gums

Because the procedure is quick and you are able to return to normal eating habits within one day, it can be performed in a dentist's office, a periodontist's office, or a cosmetic dentist's office. Any one of the three must have a license to operate the laser used in the procedure, and not all cosmetic dentistry offices, general dentists or periodontists are willing to do it either. In some cases, you will need to find a specialist in the field, someone who does just gum and tooth bleaching.