What causes black gums?

Sep 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, gum disease may be caused by factors such as pigmentation, aging, smoking, periodontal disease, and hemochromatosis. It can be treated through general treatments, medication, and other methods. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life, brush teeth regularly, and use dental floss. Reducing intake of pigmented substances such as tobacco and coffee can help prevent darkening of the gums.

Generally, blackened gums may be caused by aging, smoking, pigmentation, periodontal disease, hemochromatosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Aging

As people age, the self-repair capacity and metabolic rate of gum tissue decline, which may lead to pigment deposition. Accumulation of melanin in particular can cause the gums to appear black. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regular teeth cleaning can help prevent periodontal diseases.

2. Smoking

Chemical substances in tobacco, such as tar and nicotine, can form pigment deposits on the surface of gums and teeth, causing long-term smokers' gums to darken. Quitting smoking is the primary step, along with improved oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning.

3. Pigmentation

Some individuals naturally have higher levels of melanin in their gums due to genetic factors, resulting in darker gum color that may appear black. Regular oral cleaning and maintaining dental health are important preventive measures.

4. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, often associated with factors like hormonal imbalances, can cause inflammation leading to dull or even darkened gum color. Symptoms may include gum bleeding and bad breath. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, metronidazole tablets, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash for treatment.

5. Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is commonly caused by genetic factors or adverse environmental conditions. This condition leads to abnormal iron deposition in tissues such as the gums, resulting in blackening of the gum color. It may also present with symptoms such as fatigue and anemia. Under medical supervision, treatment may include vitamin E softgel capsules, compound Qingdai pills, and folic acid tablets.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, brush teeth regularly, use dental floss, and reduce intake of pigmented substances such as those from smoking and coffee, to help prevent gum discoloration.

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How to restore blackened gums to normal

In general, blackened gums may be caused by long-term smoking, improper diet, gingivitis, periodontitis, lead poisoning, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, etc. Daily maintenance of good oral hygiene habits is essential, and consumption of excessively cold, hot, or spicy and irritating foods should be avoided.

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What can be used to relieve toothache?

In general, toothache is often associated with dental infections, pulpitis, periodontitis, or gingival inflammation. Common symptoms include tooth pain, redness and swelling of the gums, and sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash to relieve symptoms.

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Why do gums recede?

In general, gingival recession is mainly caused by improper brushing techniques, periodontal disease, aging, malaligned teeth, and ill-fitting dental restorations. Additionally, factors such as smoking and diabetes may indirectly contribute to or exacerbate gingival recession. It is important in daily life to maintain proper brushing habits and to have regular dental checkups and cleanings.

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Will gum recession continue to progress?

If gingival recession is caused by factors such as periodontitis, long-term improper brushing techniques, or malaligned teeth and remains untreated, the inflammation will continuously destroy the gums and alveolar bone, leading to further gum recession and increased exposure of tooth roots. This may also be accompanied by problems such as tooth mobility and sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle that progressively worsens the recession.