Everyone knows pink gums equal healthy gums. So finding a dark or black spot on your gums can be a shock. But should you be concerned? There are quite a few reasons why you may suddenly see discoloration on your gums. While some are harmless and may even go away on their own, others are more serious and may require immediate treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what causes dark spots on gums and how to treat them.
Causes of Dark Spots on the Gums
1: Bruises or Injuries
One of the most common reasons for a dark or black spot on the gums is because of trauma. Flossing too hard, brushing too vigorously, and chewing on something with a hard or sharp corner can damage the gums. When the gums get bruised, the injury leaves a small dark or black spot, just like when you bruise an arm or leg. Bruised gums will heal on their own over a couple of weeks and need no medical intervention.
2: Natural Pigmentation
Some people have higher amounts of melanin, or pigment, in their bodies. High levels of melanin in your body can sometimes cause your gums to become darker or develop dark spots, sort of like freckles. This type of dark spot on the gums is completely harmless, and will not affect your oral health.
3: Medication
Certain medications can cause the gums to darken or spots of hyperpigmentation as a side effect. For instance, Minocycline, a common acne medication, has been shown to sometimes cause discoloration of the teeth and gums.
4: Smoking
If you are a smoker and notice dark spots on your gums, you may be developing smoker’s melanosis. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the gums, which causes general darkening as well as dark spots.
5: Amalgam Tattoos
If you recently had a cavity filled, a small amount of the dental filling mixture—called a dental amalgam—may have leaked a bit onto your gums. If the dental amalgam contains a metal mixture, this can create a dark spot on your gums. Unfortunately, it is not removable, which is why it is often referred to as an “amalgam tattoo.” Luckily, it is quite harmless. Resin or cosmetic fillings would not cause this issue.
6: Gum Infection
Sometimes, dark spots on the gums can indicate gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you notice any other signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, receding, tender, or swollen gums, pain when chewing, or loose teeth, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Gum disease is a serious infection that only worsens with time, and can lead to tooth loss.
7: Oral Cancer
In some cases, oral cancer causes black spots on the gums. Other symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores that will not heal, loose teeth, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat. If your dentist suspects the black spot on your gums is caused by oral cancer, they will recommend a cancer screening to determine the best treatment.
Get Your Gums Checked in Northern Arizona
Dark spots on gums are not always something to worry about. However, you should still get them checked out just to be sure they’re harmless. If the dark spots are a sign of a serious issue, the quicker you seek treatment, the better off you will be. If you notice a dark spot on your gums, call Country Club Dental in Flagstaff right away at 928-526-4314 for a full examination.
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