Causes of Black Gums, Solutions & Prevention
Black gums, which are characterized by darkened gum tissue, can negatively impact the aesthetic appeal of one’s smile and may be indicative of underlying health issues. While some people are genetically predisposed to having pigmentation or darker gums, you should contact your provider if you have noticed any sudden changes in your gum’s appearance.
To learn more about the cause of black gums and methods for addressing and preventing black gums from developing, please refer to the following.
Understanding the Causes of Black Gums
- Hyperpigmentation: One of the primary causes of dark gums is hyperpigmentation, which occurs when there is excessive melanin production. While this condition is generally harmless, significant changes in gum color should be evaluated by your provider.
- Tobacco Use: The use of tobacco, whether through smoking or chewing, is a leading contributor to gum discoloration. The harmful chemicals in tobacco products irritate your gums and cause inflammation, which can result in increased melanin production and the darkening of gum tissue over time.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes, particularly those experienced by women during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, can also influence gum pigmentation.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause changes in gum color, such as Addison's disease, which impacts your adrenal gland function, or Melasma, which can create pigmentation changes in your skin and gum tissues.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor or improper oral hygiene habits can result in developing gum disease, which may contribute to discoloration. Although gum disease itself does not always result in black gums, inflammation from periodontal disease can impact gum appearance and overall health, and the accumulation of plaque and tartar can worsen discoloration issues.
- Medications: Various medications can affect the coloration of gums, such as chemotherapy drugs. If you are on long-term medications, discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider.
Solutions for Black Gums
The most common solutions for correcting black gums include the following:
- Professional Cleaning: If your black gums stem from poor hygiene, professional dental cleanings can be a wonderful option to address the underlying issue. During this cleaning, your periodontist will remove plaque and tartar deposits, which helps facilitate the restoration of your gums’ natural color.
- Gum Depigmentation Procedures: These cosmetic treatments may include laser therapy, surgical excision of pigmented areas, or chemical agents designed to lighten gum tissue.
- Quitting Tobacco: If your gum discoloration is caused by tobacco usage, consider quitting, as doing so will enhance the appearance of the gums and promote better overall oral health.
- Addressing Underlying Health Issues: It is essential to determine the underlying cause of your black gums in order to develop a proper treatment plan.
- Good Oral Hygiene Practices: To avoid developing black gums, it is important to establish and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and utilizing mouthwash. It is also important to schedule routine dentist visits (ideally twice a year) as these visits will allow your periodontist to perform deep cleanings and evaluate your overall oral health.
To learn more, speak with your dentist.