Research has found a link between quitting smoking and reduced gum discoloration. This suggests that darker patches of color on the gums caused by smoking may be reversible.
Some forms of dark gums from smoking, amalgam tattoo, bacterial infections, or medications can easily be treated with gum bleaching and laser depigmentation procedures. Some, like lead poisoning, Addison's, etc., may require treatment of the underlying cause followed by gum depigmentation procedures.
Just like skin color, gum color varies between different people. A study published by the Future Dental Journal explains that healthy gums range from light to dark brown or even black. Dark patches on gums may also be the result of a variety of factors like medication side effects or tobacco use.
Summary. Black gums can be a normal pigmentation for people with dark skin tones. However, black gums or black patches on your gums that are new may indicate a health concern. Conditions that cause black gums include melanotic macules, smoking, amalgam tattoos, medications, certain (systemic) diseases, and cancer.
If a person's gums have always been very dark, there is no cause for concern. If the gum color changes over a short period, however, or if patches of black appear on the gums, it is probably not caused by melanin and may indicate a medical issue.
Causes of Dark or Black Gums
Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit.
The good news is that black gums caused by dental trauma usually heal on their own within a few days to weeks. A rare condition called thrombocytopenia can cause excessive bruising and bleeding. This is a condition where you don't have enough platelets, cells that help your blood clot.
Melanin, the dark pigment that gives skin its color, is also present in gum tissue. This pigment naturally darkens the gums. The Future Dental Journal reports that melanin pigmentation is common among people of African, Asian and Mediterranean ancestry.
If you have black gums or dark spots on your gums, you aren't alone. Thousands of people have black gums and very few of them have anything but genetics to blame for them. An excess of melanin (the stuff that makes your skin darker) in the body is typically what causes black gums.
About Gum Bleaching
Some darker skinned individuals are not happy with the dark color of their gums. Fortunately, laser technology allows us to lighten the gum tissue safely and non-invasively, making darker gums or what some people call "black gums", lighter and more acceptable to them.
Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.
Certain medical conditions can cause oral changes, including black gums. Only a medical professional can diagnose these conditions through appropriate testing. Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, a severe gum infection, can cause gums to turn black or grey.
It depends on genetics and the way melanin naturally disperses in the body. Some people with very dark complexions have perfectly pink gums. Still, a lot of people who have darker complexions do have it but they don't necessarily know that there's an easy way to “pinken” them.
The black gum line you see surrounding your teeth may be because you have a very old crown in your mouth. Older crowns feature an outer porcelain cover and an inner metal core, and as the crown gets older the metal begins to become exposed through the porcelain.
BLACK GUM DISEASE
The illness is often related to poor nutrition, stress, smoking, and viral infections like HIV. This condition has spread to the supporting bone around the teeth.
What does gum disease look like? Early signs of gum disease include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums. You may see a buildup of plaque on your teeth. As the disease worsens, you may notice loose teeth and pus along your gum line.
Melanin. Most cases of dark gums in children are due to a preponderance of melanin in the body. Melanin production is determined by heredity and is the reason for different hair and skin colors. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin, hair, and potentially gums will be.
What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.
Periodontitis Stage 1: Initial. Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate. Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe with potential for tooth loss. Periodontitis Stage 4: Severe with potential for loss of all the teeth.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare.
In most cases, your gum tissue will not come back once you've lost it. It's gone for good. However, this doesn't mean you're completely out of luck. With the right periodontal treatment, you may be able to halt the progression of gum recession.
What causes pale gums? Pale gums may indicate that a person has anemia, which is often the result of an iron deficiency. However, if the gums are white or painful, the cause may be more serious. Healthy gums should be a relatively consistent shade of pink.