Can I Lighten My Gums?
Patients with dark gums are often self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. Dark gums or oral pigmentation can be caused by a number of different things.
In some cases, the patient is born with darker gums simply due to their genetics. This is typically harmless and is not indicative of a health issue. While it may be noticeable cosmetically, the dark gums are only affecting the appearance of the gums, which are otherwise healthy.
In other cases, the patient may notice their dark gums develop over time or they may have a recent dark patch on their gum tissue. Patients with changes in the color of their gums should follow up with a dental professional for an examination. Unexpected changes in the pigmentation of the gums can be an early sign of an underlying health issue which may require treatment.
Dark Gum Causes
Oral pigmentation is caused by two different things external factors or factors within the body. Common causes of dark gums include the following:
External factors that can cause dark gums include the use of tobacco products. This includes both smoking and chewing tobacco. Ingesting nicotine can cause the body to produce higher levels of melanin and result in the gums slowly becoming brown or black. The dark gums may present itself in patches or cover the entire mouth. Fortunately, patients who stop using tobacco products often notice that their stained gums are slowly resolved. In fact, most causes of dark gums can be treated.
Metal from Dental Hardware
Fillings and metal-lined crowns made from amalgam can slowly lose metal particles which stain the gum and cheek tissue which comes in contact with the metal. Another term for this is “amalgam tattoos”. In most cases, these stains are black, grey, or blue. While they are noticeable and not aesthetically pleasing, they do not create any risks for the patient’s health.
Certain Medications
Some types of medications such as the antibiotic called minocycline, antimalarial quinine drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and others can cause a buildup of melanin. This buildup causes the lips and gums to be darker than normal.
Melanin
Melanin is the product which gives the skin, hair, and eyes their natural color. There are various levels of melanin which are present in different ethnic groups which can cause darker gums. Black, Asian, and Mediterranean populations are commonly effected by this.
Medical Conditions
There are some types of health issues and medical conditions which can cause the gum and mouth tissues to darken. Severe gum disease called necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is caused by poor nutrition and bad oral hygiene habits. Endocrine diseases which can include Addison’s disease and Peutz-Jegher’s syndrome are also characterized by patchy, dark skin and freckles.
Certain diseases which impact the immune system such as AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, hemangiomas or abnormal clusters of blood vessels, and hemochromatosis also cause iron-containing dark brown spots on the skin.
Patients who notice dark spots on their gums or a change in the texture of their gums should follow up with their dentist for an examination. The dentist can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options such as gum bleaching.