We are all aware that gums usually have a pinkish color, yet they can occasionally turn scarlet due to irritation or inflammation. What occurs when the color of your gums changes? You can have many inquiries if you discover black stains on your gums.
The majority of black patches, which is excellent news, are not dangerous. Dark stains on your gums can occasionally be dangerous, though. Knowing the typical causes and accompanying signs can help you respond appropriately the next time you ask yourself, “Why are my gums black?” in the mirror.
Gum Color Variations Occur Naturally
Our gums naturally come in a variety of colors, just like everyone has different hair, noses, and teeth. Although gums are typically thought of as pink, they can really be any number of hues of brown or even black. The natural color of your gums should be noted so that any problem regions may be found.
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Gum Discoloration’s Causes
Gum color variations can result from a variety of factors, including medical conditions and way of life decisions. It helps to eliminate potential sources of inexplicable changes so that you can deal with them.
Melanin
How come my gums are dark? Your body creates more melanin, which might explain why you have naturally black gums. There is no need for alarm if you were born with darker gums because it is completely natural for your body. On the other hand, if the color of your gums changes over time, it could be due to another reason listed above.
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Amalgam
Do you have any dental fillings or crowns? The amalgam that was utilized for that procedure may have become loose and become trapped under your gums. The spot may be blue, gray, or black when this occurs. It’s harmless and doesn’t need to be treated.
Medication
Some common medicines, such as those taken for infections and acne, can change the color of the gums. It’s a strange pharmaceutical response, so you should go to your doctor to see if you may switch meds.
Smoking
Why does smoking cause your gums to turn black? Smoking is a major contributor to stained gums, in addition to a host of other problems. The melanosis disease is a response to the nicotine in cigarettes.
Your body produces more melanin when you smoke tobacco, which can result in the browning or blackening of your gums. Your inner cheeks and lower lip may be affected by these alterations, which often start as patches.
Health Conditions
Black gums are one dental alteration that might be brought on by specific medical diseases. These problems can only be identified by a medical practitioner with the proper testing.
Gums may appear black or gray due to acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a severe gum infection.mDark stains on the lips and gums might result from the condition Addison’s Disease, which affects the adrenal glands. Your gums’ color can be changed by oral cancer, however it often takes the form of a black spot rather than a general darkening. Dark blue or brown freckles, a symptom of the genetic disorder Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, typically emerge throughout childhood. Freckles often disappear with time, but those who have Peutz-Jeghers may be more susceptible to malignancy.
In-Depth Care For Black Gums
The majority of black spots on your gums won’t bother you, but if they do, you might look into cosmetic procedures. To find the ideal answer for your dental health, it’s crucial to examine your alternatives with your dentist.
- The darker areas can be removed using a scalpel, but depending on the underlying reason, this may only be temporary.
- The likelihood of a recurrence is reduced by cryosurgery, or freezing the gums.
- The process of gingival grafting entails transplanting unpigmented tissue from the roof of your mouth to the damaged gums.
Prevention
By consistently brushing their teeth, flossing once per day, and consuming less sugar, people may maintain good oral hygiene. Along with routine dental appointments, these steps should be taken. The greatest method to preserve the health of your teeth and gums is to practice regular oral hygiene. Another option is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to softly and often clean one’s gums. Most pharmacies and internet retailers sell oral hygiene items including mouthwash, dental floss, and toothbrushes.
Conclusion
Black gums’ underlying causes are typically treatable. A doctor or dentist can identify a disease by looking for a variety of symptoms that are frequently present in genetic diseases. A person can identify and address any health issues early by keeping an eye out for changes in the color of their gums.
For those with dark skin tones, having black gums may be a natural coloring. However, newly developed black patches or gums that are completely black might be a sign of a health issue. Melanotic macules, smoking, amalgam tattoos, drugs, certain (systemic) disorders, and cancer are among the conditions that result in black gums.
After a recovery phase, patients enjoy the smile of their dreams and pink, healthy gums. Spotty, black gums don’t have to be a permanent condition, as the effectiveness of the therapy shown.
The first thing to realize is that melanin, which gives bodily tissues like the gums their color, differs from person to person and depends on genetics. It is normal for the person to have darker-than-average gums if they have a lot of melanin in their bodies.
Gingivitis symptoms and signs include: puffy or swollen gums. gums that are dark or dusky red. bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
