Darker Gums
In this country, the standard of beauty is pink gums.
When you see anything lacking the smile, in the mouth, it looks like there’s an appearance of something’s wrong or diseased.
Black gums come from the melanin or the production from the melanocytes.
So think of the skin. You have a very light tone to darker, olivey skin to black and, it has to do with the production of this melanin.
In the gums, it’s very rate-specific. So you could be Asian, middle-eastern, Mediterranean, African, and you’re prone to this hyperpigmentation.
This increased production of melanin.
Also, in addition to kind of the heredity and you know the ethnicity, the hyperpigmentation can be from gum disease, from smoking exacerbates it, and also from some medications.
But, you know, it’s interesting because it has to do with the standards of beauty.
Because in Senegal, in Africa, black gums are a sign of beauty.
But in this country, it’s not, it’s really…
It’s perceived as unattractive.
Black gums are not always a cause for concern, as they can be due to natural pigmentation or harmless factors such as smoking or medication.
However, black gums can also indicate a serious condition such as ANUG or oral cancer, which require immediate medical attention.
Therefore, it is important to monitor your gum health and seek professional help if you notice any abnormal signs or symptoms.
By following good oral hygiene practices and avoiding the risk factors that can cause black gums, you can keep your gums healthy and beautiful.
Black Gums
You treat people that have discoloured gums that they’re absolutely by absolutely well.
Do you know there are several causes for it?
But typically when we talk about what’s called.
We call deep pigmentation where there’s a lot of pigment in the gum tissue.
Some of it is natural and hereditary and, it’s fine it’s okay.
It’s not that it’s unhealthy necessarily but, some people are bothered by the appearance.
It can be caused by certain medications. Certain health conditions.
It can be caused by contributed to by smoking and, a lot of it is simply genetic.
That’s the way the gums are and, some people just you know for whatever reason it’s too much pigmentation or, they’re not happy with it.
We get rid of it. We get rid of it. How do we get rid of it?
We remove that layer of the gum tissue that has the pigment in it simply done gone.
You remove the gum tissue with the pigment and underneath this pink great healthy-looking gum tissue and, that’s where that’s what’s there and what’s the downtime like on something like that the downtime is about 45 minutes well.
We’re doing it because I mean look we’ve always it’s downtime.
It’s like nothing because as soon as they’re out of the clinic they can brush. They can eat.
They can do anything. A little bit of soreness but nothing major and, there’s no downtime zero.
This is very common because I mean I’ve seen it.
It’s very common don’t know about it. Commonly, a lot of people aren’t bothered by it.
That’s fine too a lot of people are bothered by it and, they don’t even know that it can be eliminated or removed.
They’re just not aware of it they don’t think in those terms.
Dark Gums: Sign of a Problem or Completely Normal?
The sky is blue. Apples are red. Gums are pink. Right?
Well, a bit of a trick question there. Yes, all those statements are true.
Just not all the time.
The sky can be a magical mix of purples, pinks and oranges at sunset. Apples can be green or yellow too. And gums, well, they aren’t always pink. Sometimes gums are black.
If you have black gums or noticed someone who had black gums you may be wondering are black gums normal? The answer is it depends.
In many situations, yes, black gums are normal. Some gums are just naturally darker than others.
The gums can also be dark-spotted or have no pink in them at all.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with gums like this. Other times, black gums are a sign of a problem.
What Causes Black Gums?
The color of your gums depends on the amount of melanin in your body. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes.
People with more melanin tend to have darker gums, which is normal and healthy.
Several things can cause gums to darken over time.
Seven biggies include:
Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking can stimulate the production of melanin in your gums, leading to a condition called smoker’s melanosis. This causes your gums to become darker or spotted with brown or black areas. The more you smoke, the more likely you are to develop smoker’s melanosis.
Amalgam tattoo
An amalgam tattoo is harmless and does not need treatment, but it can be mistaken for a malignant lesion.Oral Cancer
Stress
Poor Nutrition
Bad oral hygiene
Medication
including some anti-depressants (If gums darken after you start taking a new med, consult your doctor to see if there are any other options. Though dark gums likely won’t harm you.)
If your gums are pink but you notice that they’re turning black, it could be a sign of disease.
Black gum disease is also called acute necrotizing periodontal disease.
And it’s about as nasty as it sounds. With this disease, the discoloration is due to dead tissue and is a very serious medical condition.
Symptoms of Black Gum Disease
Symptoms of black gum disease have to include:
- bleeding gums
- intense pain
- foul breath
Left untreated, this can spread to cartilage and your bone.
Dark Gums Treatment
The treatment for black gums depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria and painkillers to relieve the discomfort.
Your doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage and type of cancer.
You will then receive a treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
You will also need to visit your dentist for professional cleaning and scaling to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
Some cases of black gums do not require any treatment and may fade away over time.
If you’ve developed black gums, there are some simple things you can do yourself to try to lighten up your gums again.
Partly the treatment depends on the cause.
- Black gums due to poor oral hygiene?
Try brushing and flossing twice a day. - Due to smoking?
Quit smoking (we know easier said than done). - Stress turning your pink gums, black?
Try reducing stress through things like yoga or sticking pins in a voodoo doll that looks like your ex! - Another option –
if your gums are otherwise healthy – is Gum Depigmentation.
The gum depigmentation process involves the use of a laser that reacts with the water in your gums that lightens and evens out the colour.
The laser vaporizes and removes the thin top layer of your gum tissue.
This destroys the melanin-producing cells and, as you heal, the new tissue that’s created tends to be pink instead of black or brown Dark Gum Concerns?
If you suddenly notice that previously pink gums have turned black, go to your dentist and get checked out. Especially if you have other symptoms like bleeding gums.
Don’t put off treatment and take the risk of making a bad problem worse.
How to Prevent Black Gums
The best way to prevent black gums is to take good care of your oral health and avoid the risk factors that can cause them. Here are some tips to prevent black gums:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and gums.
- Rinse your mouth with water or antiseptic mouthwash after eating or drinking.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, as they can stain your gums and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
- Limit your alcohol intake, as it can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which can boost your immune system and protect your gums from inflammation and infection.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away bacteria and acids.
- Wear a lip balm with sunscreen when going outdoors to protect your lips and gums from sun damage.
- If you notice any changes in the color, shape, or texture of your gums, see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
