Dark Gums: What Causes Them And How To Treat Them
While it may not be very well known, thousands of people have black gums also known as gum hyperpigmentation. As the name suggests, the most common symptom is dark black spots or blotches on the gums. On rare occasions, it may be a sign of gingivitis but…. When should you see your dentist? What are some good treatments? What can you do to prevent dark gums in the first place? This article will address all of these questions and more!
What Causes Black Gums?
Dark gums are a common symptom of chronic gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue, which can be caused by the accumulation of plaque around the teeth that are not removed or treated. This leads to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, which breaks down the tissue that protects your teeth from decay. In some cases, dark gums may be a sign of periodontal infection as well, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Left untreated for a long period of time dark gums can cause early aging and tooth discoloration due to staining from plaque buildup on teeth.
Why Should I Care?
If you have dark gums, it’s important that you take the time to identify the cause of your condition. There are many possible factors that could be responsible for the dark patches on your gums, such as a lack of vitamin C, medications like tetracycline, or the use of some types of toothpaste. Regardless of what is causing the discoloration, there are a number of home remedies that you can use in order to make them lighter. These include brushing your teeth with baking soda or charcoal powder once every week and using toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth. If these don’t work, consult with your dentist about getting professional help.
Are there Any Permanent Solutions?
If you have dark gums, your dentist will likely tell you that they are a sign of gum disease. Although it is not always the case, it is often the first step in diagnosing this condition. The treatment for hyperpigmentation can vary depending on what is causing it. If the problem is bacterial, then your dentist may recommend a course of antibiotics to reduce inflammation in your mouth. If you have an infection, then usually a more intensive course of antibiotics will be needed. Your dentist might also recommend using oral rinses that are meant to reduce inflammation or whiten teeth in order to combat the brown stains caused by plaque build up on your teeth.
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Whitening At Home?
Whitening at home can be done if you have the right ingredients. The first thing you will need is lemon juice. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which is a natural bleaching agent. Listerine mouthwash also works well for whitening teeth at home because of the hydrogen peroxide in it that helps break down stains on your teeth caused by smoking, or drinking coffee, tea or wine. Some people also use baking soda as a whitener but it may be too harsh for sensitive teeth so consult with your dentist before trying this method.
Whitening With A Dentist?
The first step in getting dark gums is to see your dentist. There are many causes of black gums, so your dentist will be able to determine the root cause. If it’s just a case of gingivitis, then treatment may be as simple as brushing more often or using an antibacterial mouthwash. If it’s something more serious, like diabetes, then lifestyle changes may be needed in order to reverse the effects.
The Right Way To Whiten Your Teeth:
While most of us know that we should drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and brush our teeth twice a day, there are other things you can do to whiten our teeth. The best way to whiten your teeth is by using toothpaste with an added ingredient such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. These ingredients help remove stains from the surface of the tooth. You may also want to try brushing with a toothbrush that has an added ingredient such as activated charcoal or baking soda because these compounds help absorb stains from within the tooth.
Final Words…
Gum hyperpigmentation is a relatively common problem, but it can be hard to diagnose without seeing the person in question. The most common symptom is black blotches on the gums. It may also be a sign of gingivitis, but this is rarer.
The most likely cause of black gums is trauma to the gum tissue from brushing too hard, or not using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Other possible causes are malnutrition, smoking, vitamin deficiency (B6), iron deficiency anemia, and certain medications.
