Causes of Black Gums, Solutions & Prevention
The color of each person’s gums differs and can vary between pink or reddish to brown or black. Sometimes, changes in the color of the gingival tissues can result from an underlying health issue, while other times, the gum tissue changes color for innocuous reasons like genetics. If you notice that your gum tissue has started to look different than it normally does, either in its color, its texture, or its luster, see your dentist. If these changes have arisen because of a health concern, your dentist can diagnose and refer appropriately for treatment to resolve the issue. If these changes have occurred for another reason, you and your dentist can discuss your options for restoring your gum tissue to a vital pink hue.
One of the more common causes of dark brown or black gums is an increased amount of melanin in the body, which also results in darker skin, hair, and eyes. If you were born with brown or black gums, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern and is simply due to the amount of melanin you produce. If you notice that your gums change color over time, however, or if brown or black patches appear inconsistently across the gums, this could be due to a medical issue. Smoking can also cause areas of discoloration in the gums, with a condition called smoker’s melanosis. Melanin is made by specialized cells called melanocytes, which can be triggered by nicotine to develop more melanin than is normal. The gums may grow brown or black, which could appear in patches or throughout the entire oral cavity, possibly including the insides of the lower lip and in the cheeks. Many studies show that quitting smoking can reverse this condition.
Medications like minocycline, which is used to treat infections like chlamydia and conditions like acne, can also affect pigmentation and cause discoloration in the mouth. If alternative drugs are available, these may reduce or eliminate the problem. Amalgam dental fillings can also cause areas of discoloration in the gum tissue, which may appear immediately next to the filling and look like a blue, gray, or black patch of tissue. While these “amalgam tattoos” pose no health risks, they can be unattractive and may be treated cosmetically.
Some contributing causes of black gums are more dangerous than others. Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, also known as trench mouth, can cause the oral tissues to die and become discolored and usually arises because of excessive bacteria in the mouth. This condition is often accompanied by a fever, bad breath, and excessive pain, and should be addressed by a dentist. Black gums and darkened patches on other areas of the skin can also appear because of Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands and can also cause fatigue, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and weakness. If left untreated, Addison’s disease can lead to severe complications. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is another systemic condition that can lead to darkened patches of skin both in the mouth and elsewhere, and this condition increases the risk of developing cancer later in life.
Any treatment for darkened or black gums will depend on the cause of the condition. When caused by an underlying infection or disease, the first course of treatment will include medication. When caused by smoking, the first step toward reversing the issue will be quitting smoking, and cosmetic dental treatments can also help restore the healthy color of the gums. Maintaining the oral health, which includes regular visits to the dentist, can help ensure that any discoloration that does occur is addressed promptly and thoroughly while also treating potential underlying causes and restoring the health of the patient along with the appearance of their gum tissue.