It may be possible to reverse changes in gum color that are caused by smoking. A doctor should be able to give advice and support on quitting smoking. Cosmetic dentists may offer gum bleaching to lighten the color of the gums.
Some forms of dark gums from smoking, amalgam tattoo, bacterial infections, or medications can easily be treated with gum bleaching and laser depigmentation procedures. Some, like lead poisoning, Addison's, etc., may require treatment of the underlying cause followed by gum depigmentation procedures.
Usually the pigmentation lies within the top layers of the skin of the gums. As the tissue begins the healing process, the gums that grow back are pink in color. Healing is fast, and pain is minimal. Of all the ways to treat "black gums", we feel the Waterlase laser technique is the safest and most effective.
Smoking can cause many side effects inside the mouth, including dark gums. The nicotine in tobacco activates the melanin-producing cells, leading to darker gums, explains the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Quitting smoking may help reduce this dark pigmentation.
Summary. Black gums can be a normal pigmentation for people with dark skin tones. However, black gums or black patches on your gums that are new may indicate a health concern. Conditions that cause black gums include melanotic macules, smoking, amalgam tattoos, medications, certain (systemic) diseases, and cancer.
Sometimes, black gums can be a sign of something more serious. A black spot on the gums could be a type of oral cancer known as malignant melanoma. If you notice this type of lesion, see your dentist. The Oral Cancer Foundation explains that oral malignant melanomas are diagnosed with a tissue biopsy.
Gum discoloration can be caused by various factors such as natural melanin production, bruises, eruption hematoma, medication, smoking, and certain medical conditions. While naturally dark gums due to melanin are normal, changes in gum color over time should be investigated.
Treatment Options for Gum Discoloration
Gum bleaching is a quick and simple process which can help restore gums to their natural shade. There are two main options; a laser technique or a microdermabrasion process. The best way to decide is to consult the dental care expert as to which treatment may be best for you.
Causes of Dark or Black Gums
Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit.
Gums turn black when a tooth decay reaches a maximum severity stage and turns into periodontitis. In case of untreated periodontitis, the gums can become necrotic and black. The cells of the tissues die, which explains this change of color. This pigmentation of the gums is most often accompanied by pain.
When plaque stays on the teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar. Your tartar can turn black when it remains untreated, creating black stains along the gumline. Cavities can also cause black spots on and between your teeth, while black tartar is typically along the bottom of the teeth by your gums.
Children sometimes develop dark gums due to an eruption hematoma. This can happen when either a baby or permanent tooth is about to come in. This creates a cyst filled with fluid, and if there's blood in the fluid, that darkens the gum. The blood is typically present when an impact injures the eruption cyst.
Clove: Like eucalyptus oil, clove is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Clove also stimulates the repair of damaged gum tissue. Use the leaf of the clove and massage it directly onto your gums. You may see some slight lightening after a few weeks of regular use.
Grey Gums. If you have gums that appear grey or have a grey-colored film on the surface, you may have a weakened immune system. This weakened immune system is directly the result of bacterial growth, but the roots of the bacterial growth can differ. Grey gums are often associated with smoking.
While it is possible to reverse advanced gum disease, the patient is going to need to undergo a few intricate treatments. The process will begin with the dentist removing all of the tartar and plaque below the gum line.
Having gum discoloration or dark gums is not necessarily a sign of a health issue, but it can look unattractive and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.
This black discoloration of the gums is due to dead tissue, or necrosis. This is a serious health issue, with symptoms that can also include bleeding gums, strong pain, and a foul smelling mouth.
Tartar may be removed at home with regular brushing and flossing or with a water flosser. Oil pulling — using coconut oil or olive oil — may also help remove tartar at home. These methods may be effective at removing tartar; however, a dentist can remove tartar in a more timely manner.
An excess of melanin (the stuff that makes your skin darker) in the body is typically what causes black gums. People with darker skin are much more likely to have black gums because they naturally have more melanin in their bodies.
Black gum disease, or necrotizing periodontal disease, however, is an uncommon but serious form of gum disease that requires immediate treatment. The disease kills the gums, tissues and bones that surround the teeth and can be indicative of serious health problems.
The success of the treatment proved that spotty, black gums do not have to be permanent.
Periodontitis isn't curable, but it's manageable with proper care and treatment. Talk to your dentist or periodontist about a personalized treatment and maintenance plan.
People may notice that their gums change from a bright or even a pale pink color, to a dark pink, red, or even brown color. This can be a totally natural change as people age, or it can also be a symptom of a bigger problem.