Causes of Black Gums, Solutions & Prevention
There are a number of conditions that can cause discoloration in gum tissue. Hyperpigmentation is often due to melanin production which can lead to dark areas on the gum tissue. Patients that have historically had uniform gum color but experience new dark spots on their gum tissue may have an underlying health condition so it is important to discuss dark spots on your gums with your doctor.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation in Gum Tissue
Melanin Production
Everybody naturally produces melanin but patients with darker skin, hair, and eyes have more melanin. Patients of Middle Eastern and African descent may notice darker gum tissue simply because their bodies produce a higher amount of melanin. Dark gum tissue is not a sign that something is wrong or of unhealthy gums. If gum color changes over a short period of time or if patches of black appear, it is not likely due to melanin and may indicate an underlying medical issue.
Medications
Some medications have an uncommon side effect of hyperpigmentation or discoloration on the skin which can sometimes occur in the mouth. Patients should speak to their doctor about sudden skin discolorations caused by medication so they can discuss alternative drug options.
Smoking
Smoking can lead to a condition called “smoker’s melanosis”, a condition in which the nicotine in tobacco causes melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) to produce more melanin than usual. Gum tissue may become more brown or black, appearing in patches or affecting the entire inside of the mouth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam is a mix of metals that is used to fill dental cavities and fabricate dental crowns. If particles of the amalgam become dislodged, it can show through the gum tissue and cause a black, grey, or blue patch along the gum line. This is called an amalgam tattoo and does not pose a health risk and typically does not require treatment.
Treating Black Gums
Depending on the cause of hyperpigmentation in gum tissue, treatment is available with a periodontist using gum depigmentation, or gum bleaching. If a medical condition is the cause of your gum discoloration, the medical condition needs to be treated first. Gum depigmentation can be achieved using a laser or a micro dermabrasion treatment that removes the outer layer of the dark spots on the gums. Both treatments also kill the melanocytes that caused the excessive melanin production.
Preventing Black Gums
If the source of your black gum tissue is high melanin production, that is natural and genetic and cannot be prevented. Patients with periodontal disease or those who smoke can prevent black gum tissue with improved oral hygiene and quitting smoking. Good oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day. Regular visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning will help maintain a healthy mouth and enable your dentist to see when something abnormal is developing.
Speak with your dentist if you have gum discoloration to see what treatment options are available to you.