While it concerns our teeth, most individuals pay attention to brushing and whitening. However, your gums play an equal role in having a healthy smile. Have you ever checked yourself in the mirror and questioned, "Why are my gums black?" If that is the case, then you're not alone.
Though it may be frightening, black gums aren't necessarily something to be frightened of. For some, normal gums happen to be darker. For others, it could be a harbinger of some issue. The following is the lowdown you need to know about black gums, including what they cause and how you can know that your gums are healthy.
Let's begin with the fundamentals. How do healthy gums appear?
Healthy gums are typically:
The color will be slightly different depending on your skin tone. Some individuals are born with darker gums because of melanin (a pigment in the skin), and that's completely normal. But if your gums do change color suddenly, it's worth visiting a dentist.
Learning healthy vs unhealthy gums is the beginning of being aware of when something could be amiss.
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Most individuals wonder, "Why are my gums black?" The reason varies depending on several factors. Black or dark gums can be completely harmless at times and, at other times, an indication of a problem.
Let us discuss the most prevalent causes of black gums:
One of the most common causes of black gums is natural skin pigmentation. Just like people have different skin tones, gums can also come in different shades. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, can also darken gum tissue.
If you’ve always had darker gums and there’s no pain or swelling, this is usually nothing to worry about. It’s just the way your body is made.
Another frequent reason why individuals get black gums is smoking tobacco. Cigarettes contain chemicals that can influence circulation and trigger something referred to as "smoker's melanosis," which is the darkening of gums over time.
If you are a smoker and you find a color change in the gums, visit your dentist. You may be able to reverse the color change and other damage by quitting smoking.
Certain medications can result in gum color changes as a side effect. Some antibiotics, antimalarial medications, and medications for mental illness are examples. If you have just begun a new medication and your gums have darkened, report it to your doctor or dentist.
Have you ever had a silver tooth filling? Occasionally, bits of the metal filling can embed in your gum. This is a harmless black mark known as an amalgam tattoo. Don't worry about it, though; your dentist might want to check it to make sure it's not another problem.
In other instances, black gums may be an indication of bad oral health. If gums are not properly cleaned, bacteria may accumulate and infect the gums. This may result in gum disease, which at times results in dark or swollen gums.
This is where it counts to know healthy vs unhealthy gums. If gums are bleeding, sore, or receding away from teeth, you need to visit a dentist immediately.
This is a severe form of gum disease, also referred to as "trench mouth." It may make the gums black or gray, accompanied by pain, bad breath, and bleeding. It requires immediate treatment by a dentist to prevent the infection from spreading.
In a small number of cases, black gums may be associated with medical issues such as Addison's disease, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, or cancer. These are unusual, but it is worth mentioning to your physician if you are experiencing additional symptoms such as tiredness, loss of weight, or dark patches on other parts of the skin.
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Let's have a closer look at healthy vs unhealthy gums, so you can examine your own mouth more confidently.
It's also a good idea to look for signs of black gums that previously did not exist. Gums that change color suddenly may indicate that something is amiss and should be examined by a dentist.
If you've been wondering, "Why are my gums black?", the first thing to do is remain calm. Most reasons are harmless, particularly if the color change has existed for a long time. But if the change is recent or your gums hurt, it's crucial to take action.
Here's what you can do:
A dentist can check your gums, inquire about your health history, and take X-rays if necessary. This is the best way to determine what's really happening.
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash. Proper dental care can avoid gum disease and prevent black gums from deteriorating further.
If you smoke, giving up smoking can improve the health of your gums, whiten black gum pigmentation, and decrease your risk of mouth cancer and other conditions.
Inspect your gums in the mirror once a week. If the color changes more, or if there is swelling or pain, return to your dentist.
Now that we’ve covered the causes of black gums, let’s talk about how to keep your gums looking and feeling healthy.
If you do these simple things, you can help prevent gum disease and make it easier to catch changes early.
If your black gums are due to natural pigmentation and you’d like a lighter look for cosmetic reasons, some dentists offer treatments. These can include laser therapy or surgical gum bleaching. These procedures are usually safe but are not medically necessary unless the dark color is caused by a health issue.
Always talk to a qualified dental professional before trying any treatment to change your gum color.
You should visit a dental or medical professional if:
Your dentist is there to help, not criticize you. They can help you feel more confident and can answer your questions without judgment.
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Gazing in the mirror at black gums can be scary, but for most situations, it is not an emergency. Ranging from normal pigmentation to smoking or medication, there are plenty of potential reasons for black gums.
The most important thing is to know what healthy gums look like and pay attention to changes in your mouth. Good oral care, frequent dental visits, and knowledge of signs of danger are the best protection for your smile. Healthy gums are the key to a healthy mouth—take care of them, and they'll take care of you.
This content was created by AI