Dark Gums Causes and Treatment

Dark gums are mostly seen in dark skinned people.  The gum discoloration may be present in patches.  The extent of gum discoloration and the intensity is different for different individuals. Dark pigmented gums don’t mean that they are unhealthy and are not an indication of a disease.

Causes of Dark Gums

Racial or physiological gingival pigmentation: It is seen as the genetic trait. The main culprit behind this is the black pigment known as Melanin.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Smoking: Smoking also results in dark gums. Smokers have darker gums as compared to non-smokers.

Medications: Some medication like minocycline, antimalarial agents, tricyclic antidepressants can also lead to dark gums.

Metallic fillings: The metallic fillings which get corroded can also cause dark gums.

Vitamin C deficiency leads to a disease called scurvy; this can lead to bleeding and dark red gums.

Treatment of Dark Gums

Treatment options available for the dark gums are:

• The most popular effective and simple method of removing the darkness of the gums is the surgical removal of the outer layer of the gums which gives the dark color to the gums. The procedure though surgical is a painless outdoor procedure carried out under local anesthesia.
• Gum depigmentation or gum bleaching: It is done using the lasers known as the water lease system. It is a quick and painless method.