Gum discolouration is a common occurrence and can cause cosmetic concerns for individuals who show their gums when they smile. Common causes include but are not limited to the following:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene including not brushing correctly or not flossing & cleaning between the teeth every day can cause an accumulation of plaque biofilm near the gums. This causes an inflammatory reaction as the body tries to fight back against the bacterial attack. Inflamed gums can look red/purplish in colour, and this can be widespread or localised to one area. Good oral hygiene is a crucial part of maintaining gum health and preventing gum discolouration. If the gum inflammation has progressed to gum disease, you may need dental deep cleaning to help your gums return to a normal colour.
2. Food & Drink: Some food and beverages can stain your gums. Tea - particularly green tea, contains lots of tannins which can stain both teeth and gums. Red wine may also have the same effect. Candy, sweets or sweetened drinks containing bright food colouring will discolour soft tissues including the tongue and the gums. The dark pigmentation of soy sauce can leave yellow/brown stains on the gums which can look particularly alarming at first. The good news is gum discolouration caused by food and drinks is usually short lived and won’t persist beyond 24 hours if the source of the staining is eliminated. Gentle gum brushing can also help.
3. Smoking: Smoking and the use of tobacco product can cause brown and blackish gum discolouration usually around the area where the tobacco product or cigarette is held. The discolouration can be seen in patches most commonly on the gum and lips and is caused by nicotine which stimulates the melanin producing cells. This is known as smoker’s melanosis. Stopping smoking will help and will significantly reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
4. Amalgam Tattoo: When amalgam (metal) fillings are placed or removed, tiny particles of metal can escape leaking silver into the tissue and literally tattooing the gum. This is known as an amalgam tattoo. It is harmless and does not pose any health risk but it’s blueish-grey colour can be unsightly on the gum. The discolouration is usually permanent although it can fade over time.
5. Pregnancy: Due to increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, the gums are more sensitive to plaque biofilm and it’s harder for the body to respond which increases the risk of inflammation. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis and if left untreated can lead to more serious gum disease. Inflamed gums during pregnancy may be widespread or a localised red or purple swelling known as a pregnancy epulis. Extra good oral hygiene will help relieve symptoms which usually resolve completely after the pregnancy ends. Pregnant women should visit the dentist and dental hygienist regularly to maintain gum health.
6. Medications: Some medications used to treat acne, cancer, malaria, psychosis and infections such as chlamydia can cause pigmentation or gum discolouration including patches of black gums. It’s an uncommon side effect but any person who notices it should speak to their medical practitioner as alternative drugs may be available.
7. Teething: Gum discolouration is common in children during teething stages. When a tooth is about to erupt, a fluid-filled cyst can form on the gums. If blood mixes with the fluid, the gum can appear dark purple or even black. The cysts are not cause for concern and go away on their own after the tooth erupts.
8. Melanin Production: Melanin is a substance that gives or skin, hair and eyes their colour. The more melanin a person has in their body, the darker their tissues will appear. Dark brown or black gums may be due to a person having more melanin in the body. If a person’s gums have always been very dark, there is no cause for concern. However, if the gum colour changes over a short period of time or if patches of black suddenly appear on the gums, it may indicate a medical issue. Anyone who’s gums change colour quickly without explanation should seek medical advice.
9. Freckles: Yes, freckles can appear on the gums in the form of melanotic macules, which are harmless spots that resemble freckles. Some people are born with melanotic macules, while others develop them later in life. Gum freckles don’t usually require treatment, but your doctor may do a biopsy if their shape, colour, or size changes.
10. Bruising: You can injure your gums just like any other part of your body. Common causes include falling on or being hit in the face, eating food with sharp edges and overzealous cleaning resulting in temporary gum discolouration. Bruises on the gums can vary from dark red to dark brown or black and they usually heal on their own without medical treatment.
11. Medical Conditions: some medical conditions such as Addison’s Disease and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome can cause a person to experience gum discolouration. The medical term for this is hyperpigmentation and requires immediate medical attention.
12. Dental Disease: Inflammation resulting from gum disease will cause red/purplish colour changes while gum infections such as Trench Mouth (ANUG) will cause black or grey gum discolouration caused by layers of dead tissue building on top of the gums. Treatment involves professional cleaning and may require the use of antibiotics. Early treatment is essential to maintain the shape and integrity of the gum tissue.
13. Oral Cancer: Cancer inside the mouth can cause what looks like a localised ulcer or black spot. Drinking large amounts of alcohol and/or smoking are the biggest risk factors for developing oral cancer. Contact your doctor or dentist immediately if you notice something which you think might be cancer. Regular dental checks with a dentist and/or hygienist are an essential part of early cancer detection.
Before trying any natural remedies, you should consult a dental professional. Correct diagnosis is important whenever you notice changes in colour, shape or appearance of any soft tissue in your body, including the gums.
If the gum discolouration is caused by inflammation, improving your oral hygiene efforts and techniques will help. The more plaque biofilm you disrupt, the healthier your gums will be. If the discolouration is caused by trauma or injury, hot saltwater mouthwash coupled with a soft diet and gentle but thorough plaque control will help until the injury heals.
Treatment for gum discolouration is heavily dependent on the underlying cause. In severe cases cosmetic options such as gum bleaching and laser depigmentation are available. However, although the initial result may be favourable, the pigmentation will often return, and the procedure will need repeating over.
Where gum discolouration is related to gum disease, professional treatment such as dental deep cleaning may be recommended to address the inflammation, reduce bacterial load and improve gum health.
Guided Biofilm Therapy is one treatment which focus’s heavily on gum health and disease prevention. Compared to more traditional methods of cleaning teeth, GBT’s gentle approach uses warm airflow technology and soft erythritol based powder to gently and effectively remove deposits. During your GBT visit you will also receive bespoke oral hygiene instruction and diet/lifestyle advice aimed at achieving optimal gum health.
GBT effectively removes all detectable plaque, tartar and staining from the teeth and gums even in difficult to reach areas. After the cleaning is complete, a fluoride foam is applied to the teeth to help strengthen the enamel and prevent decay.
If you think your gums have changed colour, arrange to see to your dentist who will be able to help with diagnosing the cause of gum discolouration. Ensure you schedule regular dental visits which are important for assessing and monitoring the health of teeth and gums long-term.
