Why Are the Gums Purplish-Black?

Many people experience gum bleeding at some point in their lives. Some cases occur while brushing teeth, others while chewing hard foods, and the most severe cases may involve spontaneous, unexplained bleeding. So why do gums appear purplish-black?

Why Do Gums Appear Purplish-Black?

If a patient’s gums appear black or purplish, this is typically due to one of two causes: melanin deposition or calculus (tartar) accumulation. In cases of endogenous purplish-black discoloration, the cause is usually localized melanin deposition in the gingival tissue. If no discomfort or other symptoms are present, treatment is generally unnecessary. In contrast, exogenous black or purplish discoloration may result from calculus buildup around the root surfaces; professional dental cleaning can effectively remove such deposits. Additionally, if metal ions leach from porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and are absorbed by the gingiva, a dark line may appear along the gum margin. In such cases, the PFM crown should be removed and replaced with a new, metal-free restoration.

Purplish-black gums can be treated with scaling and root planing: scaling removes supragingival (above-the-gumline) calculus, while root planing targets subgingival (below-the-gumline) deposits. Following calculus removal, the purplish discoloration often improves. Another possible cause is pigment deposition—a relatively common phenomenon, especially among individuals who consume highly pigmented foods or smoke. This type of discoloration tends to be more pronounced but is harmless and does not require treatment.

If any disease-related symptoms arise, prompt medical or dental evaluation is essential to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. We hope this information has been helpful to you.