what does it mean when gums are black?

Not all healthy gum tissue is pink. Similar to skin tone, gum color varies from person to person. Some other things, such as tobacco usage or adverse drug reactions, can also cause dark patches on the gums. Though very dark gums don’t always indicate a problem with your dental health, you should still consult your dentist if you’re interested in cosmetic treatments for them. Gum tissue contains melanin, the dark pigment that gives skin its color. The gums naturally darken due to this pigment. The mouth’s color might vary uniformly or in patches, and it can affect one or both sides. Gum melanin pigmentation is normal, and there’s no need for therapy. It is advised to contact a dentist if the darkening of the gums is not inherited as it may be an indication of an oral illness.

Periodontal disease, which affects the gums and surrounding tissues, is a common occurrence. Gingivitis and other periodontal disorders are typically manageable with appropriate dental care and good hygiene. Necrotizing periodontal disease, often known as black gum disease, is a rare but dangerous kind of gum disease that needs to be treated right away. The condition might be a sign of more significant health issues since it destroys the tissues, gums, and bones that surround the teeth.

Smoking has several negative oral health impacts, one of which is black gums. Darker gums are caused by the nicotine in tobacco activating the cells that produce melanin.

Giving up smoking could aid in fading this dark coloring. Black gums may occasionally indicate a more serious condition. Malignant melanoma is a kind of oral cancer that can be the cause of a black spot on the gums. See your dentist if you discover this kind of lesion.

Trench mouth is another name for the gum illness known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Fever, sore gums, and foul-smelling breath are the symptoms. If a layer of dead tissue accumulates over the gums, an infection may result in black or grey gums. Trench mouth is caused by the bacteria in the mouth growing quickly, commonly as a result of gingivitis. Stress, lack of sleep, bad food, and poor dental care can all lead to the accumulation of bacteria. Trench mouth’s early signs and symptoms include foul breath, bleeding gums, excessive salivation, and nausea. On the gums around the edges of the teeth, ulcers can develop.

This dangerous condition is sometimes referred to as acute necrotizing periodontal disease because of how quickly its symptoms typically appear. It can cause an abrupt start of:

dark gums or tissue-deep sores that extend to the gum line and potentially into the bones
excruciating jaw ache
foul breath and bleeding gums
mouthfeel of metal
Black gum disease can also manifest as malnourishment or recent weight loss since it hurts and makes it difficult to chew and consume

The source of black gum disease is a gum infection. Most of the numerous species of bacteria that are frequently found in the mouth are benign. Bad dental hygiene might contribute to the growth of dangerous oral germs. Black gum disease can occasionally be brought on by an infection in the gums caused by these bacteria. People with weakened immune systems are usually the ones who have this illness because a healthy immune system is normally able to combat this virus. Individuals with AIDS or HIV positive, high levels of stress, tobacco use, malnourishment, or poorly managed diabetes are more susceptible to developing black gum disease.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: Black Gum Disease