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Black Around Teeth on Gums |
Posted on 2/15/2024 by Weo Admin |
People with dark skin tones may naturally have black gums due to pigmentation. However, the appearance of new black patches or blackening gums can indicate a health concern.
If you neglect oral hygiene, plaque can accumulate on your teeth. Without proper removal through scaling and planing, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar, typically yellowish, forms above the gum line and can darken to brown and eventually black if untreated. Persistent tartar leads to black discoloration around the teeth and gums.
Other Causes of Black Discoloration Around Teeth and Gums
A variety of conditions can contribute to the formation of black discoloration around your teeth and gums. These conditions include the following:
MelaninDark brown or black gums might result from higher melanin levels. If your gums have always been dark, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if you notice new black patches, this could signal a medical issue unrelated to excess melanin.
Smoking Inhaling smoke regularly, as in smoking, significantly contributes to gum discoloration. This type, often termed smokers melanosis, occurs when nicotine in cigarettes impairs melanocytes, leading to excessive melanin production and gum color changes from white to brown and eventually black.
Amalgam TattooAn amalgam tattoo can form anywhere in the mouth. However, it appears next to a dental filling. You will notice the existence of black or blue patches inside the mouth, caused by a mix of metals used to make dental fillings and crowns. You do not need any medical intervention for this type of black around teeth on gums as it does not pose any health risk.
MedicationSome types of medicine can also cause the development of black teeth and gums. If you take anti-malaria medication and some antibiotics, you could notice a change of color around your gums.
Conclusion
Black discoloration around teeth and gums can be a natural occurrence, particularly in individuals with brown or black skin tones. The natural melanin production of the body can manifest as black gums. However, new or changing dark patches should be evaluated for potential health concerns. Consulting our dentist can help determine whether the discoloration is natural or requires dental treatment.
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