It may not be very well known, but hundreds of thousands of people have black gums also known as gum hyperpigmentation. As the name suggests, the most common symptom is dark black spots or blotches on the gums. On rare occasions, It may be a sign of gingivitis… [Other rare causes are oral lichen planus, aphthous ulcers, pyogenic granuloma, and erythema migrans…]…
What Are Black Gums?
The most common symptom of dark gums is dark black spots or blotches on the gums. On rare occasions, it may be a sign of gingivitis, also known as gum disease. The condition is often hard to detect at first because it causes no pain and does not affect people’s ability to eat. Gum hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive melanin production in the cells that line the inside of the mouth. In some cases, this can occur due to an autoimmune disorder called lichen planus that results in chronic inflammation of tissues lining the mouth, skin, and genitals. While there are some treatments available for dark gums, they tend to take weeks or months to see results and many people find them too expensive.
What Causes Black Gums?
It’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause of dark gums. It may be a sign of gingivitis, or it may just be from your family genetics. The most common culprit is an overproduction of melanin in the body, which can happen for a number of reasons like sun exposure, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menstruation, and even certain medications. There are also some other less common causes such as vitamin deficiencies and blood disorders. If you are concerned about dark gums, be sure to see a doctor and get them checked out!
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Are There Any Symptoms Besides The Darkness?
Unlike many other gum problems, black gums are not painful and only appear on the surface of the gums. On rare occasions, it may be a sign of gingivitis. If you have black spots on your teeth or gums and they seem to come and go, then you may have what’s called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. This is when dark patches form as a result of inflammation in the body. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen as a result of a variety of things such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. It can also happen if you’ve had skin treatments that contain hydroquinone or steroids, which can affect the color pigment in your skin.
How Do You Treat Them?
If you have dark gums, the first step is to find out what caused it. Gum hyperpigmentation can be caused by many things, from iron deficiency and periodontal disease to medications. Once you know what’s behind your symptoms, your dentist will be able to help. They may prescribe antibiotics or topical treatments like hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. In extreme cases of gum hyperpigmentation, laser treatment might be necessary to stop new pigmentation from forming. Your dentist will help determine whether this is an option for you.
Self-Care Tips:
-Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Cleaning with toothpaste and a toothbrush is not enough to get rid of the bacteria in your mouth. Always brush for at least two minutes, twice per day. -Rinse with water after brushing -Clean between teeth every day, especially before bedtime -Limit coffee consumption to one cup per day or less if you have problems with coffee staining your teeth -Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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