Causes of Black Gums, Solutions & Prevention
The color of gums can vary. Black gums and other changes in your gum color can be caused by a medical condition, medication, smoking, or other lifestyle issues.
The gums are tough, and surround and hold your teeth in place. They range in color from red or pink to brown or black.
A change in the color of your gums might indicate an underlying health problem, so you should see your dentist to determine the cause.
Causes of Black Gums
There is a range of factors that can cause black gums, including:
- Melanin- The body naturally produces melanin, a substance that gives the skin, hair, and eyes their color. The more melanin you have in your body, the darker your hair, skin, or eyes can be. Black gums might be due to you having more melanin in your body. If your gums have always been dark, there is no cause for concern. If the gum color changes, or if patches of black appear on your gums, it is probably indicative of a medical issue.
- Smoking- Smoking will cause discolored gums. This is called melanosis. Cells in your body called melanocytes create melanin. The nicotine in tobacco will cause melanocytes to produce more melanin than normal. Gums can become black. The change in color can appear in spotty patches or affect the entire inside of your mouth. The inside of your cheeks and lower lip can also change color.
- Medication- Minocycline is a medication used to treat acne and some infections. An uncommon side effect of minocycline is pigmentation change, which can occur in your mouth. You should speak to your dentist about any discolorations caused by medications, an alternative drug could be available.
- Amalgam tattoo- An amalgam tattoo can appear anywhere in your mouth but usually appears next to a dental filling. It looks like a black patch inside your mouth. Amalgam is a mixture of metals used to create fillings and crowns.
- Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis- This is a gum infection that is also called trench mouth. It can cause a fever, painful gums, and bad-smelling breath. An infection can cause black gums if a layer of dead tissue develops over the gums. Trench mouth is from the rapid growth of bacteria in your mouth, usually from gingivitis. Bacteria will build up because of poor oral hygiene, lack of sleep, stress, or an unhealthful diet. Symptoms of trench mouth are bleeding gums, bad breath, excessive saliva in your mouth, and feeling ill.
Treatment for Black Gums
The treatment for your black gums will depend on the cause. A gum infection will usually need treatment with medication.
It might be possible to reverse changes in gum color that are caused by smoking. Your dentist should be able to give advice and provide support on quitting.
Cosmetic dentists offer gum bleaching to lighten the color of your gums.
Prevention of Black Gums
You can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and reducing your intake of sugar.
These actions should be complimented with regular visits to your dentist twice a year. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the easiest way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should also brush your gums regularly and gently, using a soft bristle toothbrush.