Your gums are the durable tissue that surrounds your teeth and holds them in place in your mouth. Among different people, gums can vary in color from pink to red, brown, or black. The most common cause of black gums is excess melanin buildup, mainly for people with darker complexions. People often seek professional gum depigmentation treatment from their dentist because of an aesthetic preference for a more uniform and pleasing pink color.

As described below, a range of circumstances can cause black gums, but the condition can usually be successfully treated with medication or gum depigmentation procedures.

Melanin

Melanin is a natural substance produced by our bodies that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. A person with more melanin can have dark brown or black gums. If the gums have always been dark colored, there is no cause for concern. However, if color changes over a short time or if black patches appear, a medical issue is indicated, as melanin is probably not the cause.

Laser gum depigmentation is a good treatment option for most people.

Smoking

Black gums often result from smoking. The nicotine in tobacco can cause the body to produce more melanin than usual, making the gums brown or black. The color change can also affect the entire inside of the mouth, including the cheeks and lower lip.

Research shows that quitting smoking can reduce discoloration, suggesting the possibility that black gums caused by smoking can be reversed.

Medication

Side effects from certain medications affect gum pigment. Consult with your primary medical provider about drug alternatives.

Dental Fillings

The mix of metals used in cavity fillings and crowns, called amalgam, can cause black, gray, or blue patches under the gums if tiny pieces of metal become dislodged. Health risk is little to none, so treatment is not usually needed.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a gum infection also called trench mouth, causes bleeding and inflammation of the gums, fever, and foul-smelling breath. The infection can cause black gums due to dead tissue buildup. Trench mouth results from rapid growth of bacteria, usually due to gingivitis caused by poor oral hygiene, stress, lack of sleep, or unhealthy eating.

Treatment involves an appointment for thorough dental cleaning, possible prescription of antibiotics, and good dental care at home—brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and use of medicated mouthwash.

Certain Diseases

Addison’s disease can cause darkened gums and lips. Most cases of Addison’s disease are due to immune system issues, causing the body to attack and damage the adrenal glands, which produce a range of hormones and important substances the body needs.

One of the early symptoms of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a genetic condition, is dark brown or blue freckles that appear in the mouth or on the fingers and toes. Peutz-Jeghers freckles typically appear in childhood and disappear with age, but the syndrome can increase the risk of developing polyps or cancer.

Good Oral Health for Overall Well-Being

Good oral health is essential for your overall well-being. If you notice changes in the color of your gums, you may have an underlying health problem that should be evaluated by your dentist or regular doctor to determine the possible cause. The primary goal is always to prevent more serious oral health issues that can result if you delay important procedures.

Also, see your dentist every six months for regular checkups, an important step in maintaining good oral health.

Related Article: What is Gum Depigmentation?