What Causes Black Gums?
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Blackened gums may result from acquired unhealthy lifestyle habits. For instance, frequent smoking and nicotine in tobacco can cause gum blood vessels to constrict, leading to darkening or purplish discoloration of the gums. To address this issue, we should consume more light, bland foods; reduce coffee intake; avoid staying up late; correct improper chewing habits; and improve poor gum circulation.
Teeth may become easily sensitive to hot, cold, or hard foods. Compared with the relatively hard teeth, gums appear much softer and are therefore naturally more susceptible to injury and problems. When gums turn black, it may signal an underlying issue; such discoloration—especially if the gums appear black or purplish—should never be underestimated. So, what causes black gums?
What Causes Black Gums?
Blackening of the gums may result from acquired unhealthy lifestyle habits. For example, chronic smoking exposes the gums to nicotine in tobacco, which constricts gum blood vessels and leads to darkening or purplish discoloration. To address this, individuals should adopt a lighter diet, reduce coffee intake, avoid staying up late, correct improper chewing habits, and improve poor gum circulation. Chewing food slowly promotes healthy gum circulation, benefiting periodontal tissue health. Additionally, breaking the habit of one-sided chewing can help alleviate gum discoloration. In some cases, black gums may be non-pathological and untreated—for instance, in childhood, exposure to poor-quality local drinking water or abnormal absorption and deposition of trace heavy metals (e.g., lead or mercury) from poorly fabricated dental prostheses into the gums. Such conditions require prompt intervention and gradual recovery. Some individuals naturally have pigmented gums due to physiological melanin deposition; in daily life, they should minimize consumption of highly pigmented foods to prevent further pigment accumulation.
Black gums may also stem from internal dental diseases, such as abnormalities in gum vasculature, gum necrosis, dental plaque, calculus, poor oral hygiene leading to soft debris accumulation on the gums, or gingivitis localized near the gum margins. In such cases, patients should consult a dentist for evaluation to prevent disease progression. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential: brush teeth thoroughly twice daily (morning and night) or after meals to remove plaque and food debris from interdental spaces, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing gingivitis risk. Rinsing after meals and using dental floss and toothpicks correctly helps eliminate residual food particles and bacteria lodged between teeth and gums. Regular professional cleanings—or brushing as directed by a dentist—are also recommended.
Patients experiencing black gums should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment to prevent complications or worsening of the condition. We hope this information has been helpful.
