Like skin color, gums come in a variety of shades.
People with moremelanintend to have darker gums.
Therefore, black gums may be perfectly normal for some people.
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This article explains black gums' causes, symptoms, and treatment.
The color variation of black gums may include:
Pigmented spots on gums can be benign (noncancerous).
However, it can also be a symptom of more severe diseases, like oral malignantmelanoma.
Melanotic Macules
Melanotic maculesare benign dark patches on the gums.
Aside from dark spots, these lesions do not cause symptoms.
They usually are less than 1 centimeter in diameter and flat.
They may be brown, black, blue, or gray.
Smokers Melanosis
Smokingcan sometimes cause melanin to accumulate in the gums.
When this occurs, it is called “smoker’s melanosis.”
It looks like a flat area on the gums that is black or brown.
The condition is benign, but a healthcare provider may take a biopsy to rule out malignancy.
Dentists diagnose amalgam tattoos by appearance and your dental history.
They may also be able to see filling particles on anX-ray.
Medications
Certain drugs can cause melanin pigmentation on the gums.
It is triggered by adrenal gland dysfunction.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, and skin darkening.
Skin darkening often occurs in mucus membranes, including the gums.
In addition, dark blue to dark brown freckling occurs around the mouth, including the gums.
PJS is a genetic condition because of a gene mutation.
Oral melanomas are rare, involving 0.2%8% of melanomas in the United States.
Later on, there may be open sores, unusual bleeding, and swelling in the mouth.
They are usually dark brown to bluish-black.
But, occasionally, skin-colored or white lesions occur.
Healthcare providers diagnose melanomas through a tissue biopsy.
How to Treat Black Gums
Treating black gums depends on the cause.
No treatment is necessary if black gums are your standard gum color.
Likewise, if a benign lesion causes black gums, you may not need any treatment.
In addition, some people prefer treatment for cosmetic reasons.
However, if your gumsor a patch on your gumsis suddenly black, that’s worth checking out.
Make an appointment with a dentist trained in diagnosing diseases of the mouth.
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.
Treatment isn’t always necessary, but there are several options for removing black spots on the gums.
Take heart; chances are they’re nothing to be concerned about.
Oral melanomas are extremely rare.
A dentist can rule out the possibility of malignancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many things can cause black gums.
Often, black gums are a natural variation in gum color.
Yes, smoking can cause black gums.
The condition is called smoker’s melanosis, which can cause black and brown deposits on the gums.
Black gums don’t always require treatment.
However, some people prefer treatment for cosmetic reasons.
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