What Causes Black Gums in Children?

Children are at an age when they particularly enjoy snacking. Excessive consumption of snacks can easily lead to irritability. Excess internal anger (in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory) may cause gum swelling and pain, making it difficult for children to eat and causing oral discomfort. So, what causes black gums in children?

What Causes Black Gums in Children?

Black gums in children are typically due to congenital factors. Pigment deposition on the gums—often influenced by genetics—can darken gum color, much like how some children are born with fair skin while others have naturally darker skin. This condition is not a disease and therefore requires no specific treatment. In fact, pediatric dentists are more concerned about heavy metal poisoning as a potential cause of black gums. Thus, if parents notice abnormal gum discoloration in their child, they should consult a pediatric dental specialist at a dental hospital to rule out heavy metal toxicity.

If black discoloration appears only in a localized area of the gums, it may indicate chronic apical periodontitis affecting the primary teeth, leading to swelling, pain, and ulceration in the gingival tissue around the tooth root apex. Alternatively, during the eruption of primary teeth, a localized gingival hematoma may form, resulting in localized gum darkening. Chronic apical periodontitis in primary teeth warrants root canal treatment. In contrast, localized gingival swelling and darkening associated with primary tooth eruption usually require no special intervention and resolve spontaneously once all teeth have fully erupted.

We recommend that parents promptly take their child to a healthcare facility for evaluation to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. We hope this information has been helpful.