Black Gums: gingival melanin pigmentation

 

Black gums, also known as gingival melanin pigmentation, refer to dark patches that form on the gums due to an overproduction of melanin. In this article, we answer seven commonly ask questions about black gums. Black gums, also known as black periodontal disease, are an inflammatory condition cause by the accumulation of bacteria and tartar in the gum line. Here are seven questions and answers about this condition.

 

What Causes Black Gums?

 

The cause of black gums is thought to be relate to genetics and hormones. It is a hereditary condition, which can be trigger by increases in hormones during puberty or pregnancy. Certain medications and smoking can also contribute to darkening of the gums. Black gums are cause by a bacterial infection in your mouth. The bacteria accumulate around the edges of your teeth and form what’s known as plaque. If plaque isn’t remove through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar – a rough, abrasive substance that irritates your gums and causes them to become inflame, red, swollen and to bleed easily.

What Are the Symptoms of Black Gums?

 

The symptoms of black gums include receding gums, persistent bad breath, tender or bleeding gums when you brush or floss and tooth sensitivity. In severe cases, you may experience loose teeth or even tooth loss due to bone deterioration.

 

Is Dark gums Harmful?

 

No, black gums are not harmful and do not indicate any underlying medical issues. However, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance, so it is important to speak with your doctor if you’d like more information or possible treatment options for cosmetic purposes.

How Is Black Gum Disease Diagnose?

 

Your dentist will typically diagnose black gums disease after performing an exam on your teeth and gums. During this exam they may use a special instrument call a probe to check your pockets for signs of infection or inflammation. In some cases they may order X-rays to get a better look at what’s going on below the surface of your gum line. Unfortunately there is no way to prevent black gums from forming; however, avoiding certain habits such as smoking may help lessen the symptoms of discolore gum tissue around the teeth or mouth area. Additionally, brushing twice daily and flossing regularly can help reduce plaque buildup that can lead to discoloration in the long run.

 

 How Is Black Gum Disease Treate?

 

 Treating black gum disease involves removing built-up deposits of plaque, tartar and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gum line with a deep cleaning procedure call scaling root planning (SRP). This process removes any bits of calculus (harden plaque) that have accumulate under your gums causing irritation to the soft tissue in that area. Antibiotics may also be prescribe to help get rid of bacterial infections that have been identify by SRP treatment or other diagnostic tests such as x-rays or cultures taken from areas around disease teeth roots. Your dentist may also suggest periodontal surgery if necessary for more severe cases where there has been significant damage done to underlying bones or structures surrounding individual teeth due to long-term periodontal disease activity.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

 

Again this depends on the type of treatment use – typically the results will last several months before needing additional maintenance therapy sessions such as touch-up treatments or bleaching solutions apply by a dentist or oral hygienist if need. Generally speaking though, laser treatments have been found to provide longer-lasting results than other methods available today!

Is Professional Treatment Necessary?

 

Not necessarily – there are plenty of over-the-counter products that claim to lighten darken areas cause by black gums; however results will vary person-to-person depending on their individual needs and lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking) so consulting with a doctor beforehand may still be necessary in some cases when deciding which method of treatment would work best for you!

Can I Reverse The Effects Of Black Gums Naturally?

 

Yes! Certain natural remedies that contain ingredients like aloe vera gel and lemon juice have been known to help lighten discolore areas cause by black gums over time; just make sure that whatever you choose does not contain any harsh abrasives like baking soda as these could potentially damage sensitive gum tissue even more if use incorrectly!

How Can I Prevent Black Gum Disease?

You can prevent black gum disease through consistent practice of good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once each day and scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months with your dentist or hygienist for professional debridement if plaque accumulates faster than you can remove it at home on a daily basis through regular brushing/flossing alone! Additionally reducing sugary snacks/foods in between meals; quitting smoking if applicable as tobacco use increases risk for forming periodontal pockets/lesions; eating nutritious meals; drinking plenty water; getting adequate amounts rest & exercise ;and scheduling routine checkups with your dentist are all important components towards decreasing chances developing damaging levels advance stages black gum (periodontal) disease activity!

 Will My Teeth Fall Out If I Have Black Gum Disease?

In most cases no – however if left untreate or without treatment consisting proper cleaning/scaling procedures performe regularly couple with maintaining good at home care then yes – tooth loss is possible due compromising effects untreate long term periodontal activity on adjacent supporting structures essential continue existence healthy natural dentition within given individual smile!

When Should I See A Dentist For My Black Gums?

You should set up an appointment with your local dentist right away if you think you are exhibiting signs black gum (periodontitis) disease including but not limit swelling in pocket depths around certain individual(s), early stages recession pearly whites along edges affect smile line(s), persistent bad breath despite various ‘at home’ hygienic interventions attempt recently etc… Ignoring these warning signs might cause further problems down road so best safeguard yourself against future complications associate peridontitis it’s wise seek out advice & evaluation one reputable general dental practitioner soon as possible!