2. What can cause black or stained gums?
3. How to avoid related tooth loss?
4. How to reduce pain related to black gums?
5. How to prevent the appearance of black gums?
6. How to treat the problem of black gums?
Being exposed to many substances on a daily basis, the gums are exposed to various diseases. Generally speaking, normal gums have a pale pink color and maintain a certain firmness. From the moment you notice the appearance of other colors such as white (sometimes a sign of oral candidiasis or even announcing a saburral tongue ) or black, it is essential to consult a doctor. 🩺
Even though the color of the gums can vary depending on several factors from one individual to another, no abnormality should be taken lightly. 🧐
Find out here the causes, consequences and treatments for black gums .
Black gum: What is it?
Black gums are a symptom that can indicate oral disease. It generally results in the appearance of blackness, black spots on the gums. This phenomenon is far from normal and generally represents a symptom of a more serious pathology. 😷
The color and appearance of a patient's gums generally says a lot about their health. Indeed, this can vary depending on the oral health of the latter. Healthy gums are generally pink with varying shades. 👄
While most individuals feature light pink gums, others will have a darker or darker crown. Some gums tend to be closer to brown or even black. However, bright red gums (be careful, red gums can also be a sign of the appearance of pimples on the gum , not to be taken lightly. Keep an eye out and if these pimples appear, make an appointment at the dentist!), white or abnormally black can indicate the presence of gum disease. 🥴
This is why as soon as you notice black spots on your gum, it is imperative to consult a specialist in dentistry (dental surgeon). The latter will then be able to establish a complete diagnosis. This will allow you to identify the cause as well as the risks of periodontitis, a gingival abscess , receding gums or loosening of the teeth . 🦷
What can cause black or stained gums?
Black gums don't necessarily mean you're sick. Although this is usually the case. However, the appearance of black spots on your gums is generally due to poor oral hygiene. Here are some probable causes and symptoms of gingivitis . 💥
Melanin as the cause of black gums
Dark gums can be caused by excess melanin . Probably the rarest cause but also the least dangerous. Melanin is a substance secreted by the body to color the skin, hair and eyes. Its role is to darken the parts of the body that are in direct contact with the outside. Thus, the more melanin there is in the body, the blacker the skin, hair and eyes. 👁
In the case of excessive melanin production, the gums may be affected by the phenomenon. So, if an individual has always had darker gums, there is no need to worry. On the other hand, if the gum suddenly darkens, or if black spots appear, it may be an oral problem. 😥
Poor oral hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can also be the cause of black gums. Indeed, when tooth brushing is not regular, this leads to an accumulation of plaque and tartar near the gum line.
In the case of a lack of deep cleaning, we witness the spread of bacteria in the mouth ( tartar and dental plaque to be eliminated ) over the entire tooth. 🦠 Which will cause inflammation of the gums and redness of the infected part, leading in some cases to more or less significant gingival swelling . If the patient is not treated quickly, the situation will get worse and worse until periodontitis appears. 😱
Medication
Consumption of certain medications can also be the cause of black gums. Indeed, some pharmaceutical products have the side effect of causing discoloration or pigmentation. 💊 This is the case, for example, of minocycline which is used to treat acne or chlamydia.
To smoke
It is one of the most common causes of gingivitis disease . The nicotine contained in tobacco acts on the smoker's melanocytes. These are the cells in the body that produce melanin. Thus, nicotine pushes them to produce more and more melanin. 🚬
Which can turn the gums black or brown. In this case, all components of the mouth are affected. Particularly the lip, the tooth, the tongue and the inside of the cheek. According to some studies, the appearance of stains on the gums caused by tobacco is reduced when you stop smoking. ☝️
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Also known as trench mouth, acute ulcerative gingivitis is an infection of the gums. It usually manifests itself with fevers, pain and bad breath. 🤢
This condition can create black or gray gums by causing the accumulation of dead tissue above the gum line.
Trench mouth is generally favored by severe gingivitis. This is linked to the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth in the event of poor oral hygiene, stress which can also be the cause of oral pain or an unhealthy diet. 🪥
Generally speaking, trench mouth is expressed with symptoms such as bleeding gums , bad breath , or heavy salivation.
Hereditary or species factors
Gum discoloration can also be hereditary in origin. Indeed, some individuals naturally have an excess of melanin in the body. This can lead to variation in pigmentation in the gums.
Amalgam tattoo
The amalgam tattoo similar to a black patch can also appear at the gum level. Thus resulting in a black color. Amalgam is a mixture of metals used to make fillings and crowns. If particles of this material are dislodged, they may appear under the skin of the gum. 😕
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
It is a hereditary disease that increases the patient's risk of developing cancer. One of its main symptoms is the appearance of dark blue or dark brown spots or freckles in the mouth or on the skin. 🧬
How to avoid tooth loss linked to periodontitis?
Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases today and generally leads to loose teeth. Here are some tips for eliminating it to prevent tooth loss.
However, it is possible to reduce the risks of this disease by knowing the foods to avoid to prevent periodontitis.
Brush your teeth effectively
Brushing your teeth is the essential step in oral hygiene. Indeed, when it is done regularly and properly, it represents the simplest way to prevent periodontitis. To do this, you must pay attention to the quality of the toothbrush you use. The latter must be gentle and powerful enough to effectively clean your teeth. 💪
On this subject, we recommend electric toothbrushes and their benefits , but we particularly recommend our French brand, MyVariations, which respect these criteria. Our sonic electric toothbrushes are formidable against dental plaque, while being very gentle on gums and enamel , they will take care of your teeth while respecting your mouth. 😁
On the other hand, everyone should brush their teeth properly at least twice a day or if possible after each meal. To preserve your oral health, you must rinse your mouth properly after brushing. In order to prevent the appearance and growth of bacteria. In addition, the toothbrush used must be renewed every three months at least . 🕰
Use dental floss
The use of dental floss or interdental brushes is necessary to prevent severe periodontitis and avoid tooth loss. In fact, it helps eliminate dental plaque as well as food debris that is trapped in areas that the toothbrush cannot reach. 🍔
Learn about the correct way to use interdental brushes beforehand.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash is much more than a way to eliminate bad breath . In fact, it also contributes to the elimination of bacterial plaques. This helps prevent tooth loss linked to periodontitis. However, you must choose this mouthwash carefully according to your needs.
Visit a dentist regularly
Visiting the dentist regularly helps prevent tooth loss linked to periodontal disease. The dentist is able to carry out examinations to detect the presence of gingivitis or periodontitis . Thus, he will be able to prescribe medications or initiate treatments capable of eradicating the pathology once and for all. 🧪
Stop smoking
Since tobacco is one of the main causes of black gums and periodontitis. Quitting smoking helps prevent tooth loss.
How to alleviate pain related to black gums?
Gum pain can have several origins. But to alleviate the pain associated with this disease, you can opt for antibiotics. These help reduce bacterial proliferation and therefore eliminate dental plaque.
Also, you can use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain. Finally, mouthwashes also help relieve the pain of black gums. In either case, it is essential to consult your dentist before making a decision, and to implement the right actions to strengthen your gums and keep your normal gums healthy. . 👩⚕️
How to prevent the appearance of black gums?
The best way to prevent black gums is to practice good oral hygiene. To do this, you should brush your teeth effectively , with an electric brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Brushing should be done at least twice a day or even after each meal if possible. Pay attention to your diet and above all avoid smoking. 😉
How to treat the problem of black gums?
If you notice the appearance of black spots on your gums, it is recommended to contact a specialist. Because as you have certainly understood, black gums can be due to a genetic problem.
By consulting a dentist, you will be subject to medical analyses. This will make it possible to detect the origin of the problem in order to initiate protective measures to easily eradicate it. 👌