Healthy gum tissue doesn’t have to be always pink. Gum color can vary between people, just like skin color. According to the Future Dental Journal, healthy gums can range in color from light brown to dark brown or black.
You may also have dark patches on your gums due to side effects from medications or smoking. Although black gums don’t necessarily indicate an oral health problem, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Consult your dentist if you are interested in cosmetic treatments to darken your gums.
Natural Variations in Gum Colour
Gum tissue also contains melanin, a dark pigment that gives skin its color. This pigment naturally darkens your gums. According to The Future Dental Journal, melanin pigmentation is very common in people with Mediterranean, Asian, and African ancestry.
Variation in color can occur on either one or both sides. It can also be uniform or scattered. Normal pigmentation of the gums due to melanin is not required.
Black Gums: Causes
Some endocrine disorders can also be linked to dark gums. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Addison’s Disease patients may experience darkened gum tissue and mucous membranes.
Certain medications can alter the color of your gums. This side effect can occur with many medications, including antimalarials and antipsychotics as well as cancer therapy drugs, antibiotics, and some antimalarials. Talk to your doctor if you notice darkened gums after taking a new medication.
Side effects of smoking can include darkening gums and irritations in the mouth. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, nicotine activates melanin-producing cell, which leads to darker gums. This dark pigmentation can be reduced by quitting smoking.
Sometimes, a dark spot on the gums could be a sign that something is more serious. Malignant melanoma, also known as darkening of the gums , could result in a spot. Consult your dentist if you see this type of lesion. The Oral Cancer Foundation explains how oral malignant melanomas can be diagnosed using a tissue biopsy.
Black Gum Treatments
Although black gums do not always need treatment, there are many cosmetic options for those who wish to improve their appearance. Your dentist will examine your gums and recommend the best treatment.
One of the options for patients is to remove the darkened tissue using a scalpel. Although the initial results are good, they may not last. This is because melanin-producing cell can sometimes migrate into the area being treated, increasing pigmentation.
Another treatment option is cryosurgery. This involves freezing the gum tissue. According to a study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, the rate of recurrence following cryosurgery was low.
Gingival grafting can also be performed free of charge. This involves removing unpigmented tissue from the roof and applying it to your gums. This hides dark gum tissue rather than eliminating it.
There are many shades of gum. Sometimes, black gums are a natural variation that is not dangerous. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned about your gum color.