It may not be very well known, but hundreds of thousands of people have black gums also known as gum hyperpigmentation. As the name suggests, the most common symptom is dark black spots or blotches on the gums. On rare occasions, It may be present in other parts of the mouth as well, like the tongue and palate, although this is much less common than on the gums.
What Causes Black Gums?
One cause of black gums is iron deficiency. People with anemia may have iron levels too low to keep the blood from becoming too diluted and pale, which can lead to black gums. Various medications may also lead to black gums by depleting a person’s iron supply. Other causes of dark black spots on the gums are less common, but they all require different approaches to solving them, which will be discussed later in this blog post.
Signs And Symptoms:
The most common sign that someone has black gums is dark spots or blotches on the gums. It can be difficult to identify gum hyperpigmentation because many other conditions cause gum discoloration and no definitive medical test exists to diagnose the condition. For this reason, it’s important to keep an eye out for other symptoms associated with gum hyperpigmentation and visit a dentist if necessary.
1) Dark spots or blotches on the gums 2) Teeth that have begun coming loose 3) More plaque buildup than usual
Is It Bad For You?
There are many possible causes of black gums, but in most cases, it’s not a major concern. There are three classifications for gum hyperpigmentation, the first being acquired post-inflammatory pigmentation (APIP). This is when there’s a rash or some other form of injury that causes the skin to form dark spots. The second is a superficial accumulation of melanin from internal cells that don’t drain into the lymph nodes correctly. Third, is malignant melanoma which occurs when there are more malignant skin cells than healthy ones and leads to tumors. Of these three classifications, malignant melanoma is the most concerning since it often becomes cancerous and can lead to death.
Why Are Some People Affected?
If you’re like most people, and especially if you’ve had a history of gum bleeding and other dental problems, chances are your gums have darkened as well. But what exactly is gum hyperpigmentation? Why do some people get it and others don’t? And is there anything that can be done to stop it before the situation worsens or persists indefinitely? These are all important questions to ask so that you can take preventative measures against the damaging effects on the gums. While the best way to ward off this type of hyperpigmentation would be to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, learn about food additives, and eliminate any factors that may irritate your gums- these steps may not always work.
Are There Natural Remedies?
If you find yourself in this position, it may seem like there are few solutions. Thankfully, there are treatments available to address the condition! Things like toothpaste and dental mouthwashes contain chemicals that reduce staining. Additionally, over-the-counter bleaching strips may also be effective for treating black gums. As always, consult with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about the health of your teeth or gums.
How To Prevent Gum Hyperpigmentation:
The development of gum hyperpigmentation is usually caused by the overproduction or overactivity of cells known as melanocytes. However, certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory processes can cause this problem.
First, if you are having a flare-up with your medical condition, see your doctor to manage the symptoms accordingly. Eating a proper diet that is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids is another preventative measure. Lastly, wearing a lower abrasion cheek protector (or mouth guard) during sleep will prevent people who grind their teeth from biting down onto the gum area and could stop developing more dark spots on their gums.
Are There Any Treatments Available?
It may not be very well known, but hundreds of thousands of people have black gums also known as gum hyperpigmentation. As the name suggests, the most common symptom is dark black spots or blotches on the gums. On rare occasions, It may be caused by conditions such as smoking and hormonal changes that cause an increase in melanin (a natural pigment responsible for skin color) levels in tissues including your gums. More often than not, however, this condition is caused by using certain toothpaste brands containing dyes and chemical agents that change how your body reacts to light.