San Jose Dentist Grant F Shimizu DDS, Inc Articles & Blog

Why Your Gums are too black?- Prevention and Treatment

Gums are hard tissues that hold the teeth in place. We all know for a completely healthy body we need to maintain good oral health. If you find a change in the colour of your gums, it can be an indication of an underlying problem. So, consult a doctor as soon as possible in such a situation. 

What are the causes of black gums?

Black gums can be caused due to a lot of conditions. They are:

  • Smoking can lead to discoloured gums. The colour of the gums may become more brown or black. It can be in patches or entirely affecting the mouth.
  • There are some medications like minocycline which has a side effect of discolouration or pigmentation which can lead to black gums.
  • Amalgam Tattoo appears anywhere inside the mouth or maybe next to the filling which is a black, grey or blue patch in colour.
  • Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a gum infection can also cause black gums. 
  • Addison’s disease is also one of the causes. 

Treatment The treatment for black gums depends on the underlying reason for it. Gum infections will generally need treatment along with medications. In the case of smoking, the doctor may advise quitting smoking and support in this case. Some of the cosmetic dentists may use bleach to lighten. It can be harmful to the gums so, it must be done by a professional.

Prevention In order to keep your gums and teeth healthy, maintaining oral hygiene is the best solution. You should brush your teeth regularly along with flossing once a day reducing the intake of sugar. A regular visit to the dentist is a must. You may also brush your gums with the help of a toothbrush with soft bristles.  If you are suffering from black gums, make a visit to Berryessa Dental. We will provide you with the best solutions for your gums by determining the underlying issues. 

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