What Causes Blue Discoloration In Gums And Tongue?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 49 years old have had all teeth out and have blue gums,and a very blue tounge,two blue stripes one either side,have loss of appetite and don't sleep well.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Additional materials requested Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. I wonder if you can please attach pictures of your tongue, and gums to see what you describe, along with a more through description of when you first noticed the discoloration; please provide a list of all your medications including herbal and ayurveda medications. Truly yours, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (6 minutes later)

I don't take any medication,Have never been sick,have passed out a couple of times I don't take medication,and this has been for about 3 months these symptoms.I work but pick up anything that is going around,feeling so run down

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Rule out low oxygen levels Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX I would appreciate if you do take a close up picture of the tongue and also the gums; with your symptoms of fatigue, the first thing that needs to be ruled out are low oxygen levels causing central cyanosis; the very first step would be to obtain an arterial blood gas from your provider. Other possibilities include varicose dilatations of the veins of the tongue and gums, benign venous malformations, or quite rare, ingestion of certain substances like silver which you do not seem to have a particular expossure. Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (31 minutes later)

Did you receive pictures

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Rule out hypoxia, benign varices possible as well Detailed Answer: XXXXXXX Thanks a lot for the follow up pictures. Although not the best quality (it would be easier if someone else obtains the pictures for close up details of top, under tongue and gums), again it is reasonable to first document that your oxygen levels are normal. If they are, the lesions seem to be more consistent with varices of the tongue, which may be a benign finding associated with aging

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (3 hours later)

My teeth also all went loose and had to have every tooth out over 2 months the gums almost none existent ,so is that still old age.And the swelling in stomache and is hard as a woman haveing a baby.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: May be more than old age Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for the query. Given your other symptoms of fatigue, abdominal swelling and pain, I believe there has to be more than old age, and thus, I prompt you to see a provider who can check an arterial blood gas to ensure oxygen levels are normal, other blood tests will be required such as lead level in blood; I believe there has to be an alternative explanation than older age. The increased abdominal girth may be fluid accumulation, especially if you have gained weight

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar