Our teeth and jawbones are connected by the delicate, pink connective tissue that connects them. As a result, many people do not know its significance.
Gums are usually pink. However, occasional dark brown or black spots may appear. A few things can cause dark gums. Still, most are not severe and do not require treatment.
On the other hand, black dots can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. Consult your dentist if you notice any blackheads on your gums or if they change color, shape or size.
The following information can help you decide whether you need treatment right away or whether to wait until your next dental appointment.
How Do You Know If Your Gums Are Healthy?
The condition of your gums is an excellent indicator of your overall health. Before scheduling a visit to the dentist, first consider differences in color or texture.
Texture and Color
Various colors can identify healthy gums:
Pink gums are common, while pale gums are perfectly acceptable for your skin tone. Sun exposure and genetics also play important roles no matter your skin tone.
In terms of texture, healthy gums have a firm firmness and a good grip on your teeth.
Unhealthy gums may look and feel swollen and are more flexible than healthy gums. They are usually sensitive to touch.
Healthy gums also do not bleed when flossing or brushing. When you clean and floss your teeth and notice bleeding gums, it could be a sign of gum disease.
What Causes Black Gums?
The color of the gums varies from person to person. A medical condition, medication, smoking, or other lifestyle factors can cause black gums and other gum abnormalities.
The following are some of the most common causes of black gums:
melanin
You probably have black gums because your body produces more melanin.
Oral Hygiene Issues
Plaque and tartar buildup around the gingival groove can easily irritate the gums. If tartar is not cleaned during a good dental cleaning, it causes irritation and redness in the gum tissue.
Smoking
Discoloration of the gums can be caused by smoking. Known as smoker’s melanosis, this condition occurs when the nicotine in tobacco stimulates the production of more melanin in the skin.
Medication
Various medications can cause black gums:
.Minocycline
.Oral cancer treatments
. Malaria drugs
.Antibiotics
..Antipsychotics
.Hereditary factors
We have hereditary variability as well as non-pathological causes species-specific factors. For example, people with darker skin have an excess of melanin.
Amalgam Tattoos
Amalgam tattoos can occur anywhere in the mouth, but they are most commonly found near a filling. It appears as gray blue or dark patches inside the mouth.
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingival Inflammation
It is a serious gum infection that causes darkening of the gums. Other symptoms include pain, bleeding, and swelling. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a rare condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. One of the symptoms of Addison’s disease is changes in skin color, which can also affect the gums.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
It is a rare genetic disease that causes dark patches on the skin and mucous membranes. These spots are caused by the overgrowth of pigment-producing cells.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, some women may experience changes in gum color due to the increase in hormones. This is usually nothing to worry about and will go away after pregnancy.
Teething Period
During the teething period (when babies are getting their first teeth), some may experience changes in gum color. This is normal and will disappear as the teeth come in.
Oral Cancer
Although rare, black gums can be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer often causes other symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Treatment
The best dark tooth treatment will depend on each patient’s cause, size, and pigment saturation. Therefore, you should consult your periodontist or aesthetic dentist to determine your best course of treatment. A proven range of gum whitening techniques are applied that deliver seamless virtually painless results. The choice of whitening technique largely depends on the extent and cause of the gingival discoloration.
.Laser
One of the most effective treatments for teeth whitening involves using intense pulses of light to vaporize the top layer of gum tissue. This destroys the melanin cells responsible for the dark coloration and reveals the pink tissue underneath. Laser therapy is a relatively painless procedure with immediate results.
.Whitening Treatment
A special bleaching solution is applied to the gums and activated by laser. This procedure is performed using local anesthesia for improved patient comfort.
.Dermabrasion
The doctor uses a polishing tool to gently polish the outer layer of gingival tissue, giving immediate results.
.Gum Surgery
Using local anesthetic, doctors gently remove the outermost layer of gum tissue containing the darkly pigmented cells, revealing the new pink gum tissue underneath. This is done in a single session and is free of chemicals, stitches and dressings.
Is Gum Whitening Safe?
You may have concerns about the idea of using a whitening solution on your gums. Do not worry! Aesthetic dentistry has created a completely safe method to lighten your gums and improve your self-confidence. The best candidates for gum whitening are those with good gum health and dental hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss regularly to maintain your dental health. If your gums are inflamed due to periodontal disease, this may need to be addressed before your cosmetic treatment.