“Why are my gums darkening?”
The skin color on my gums seems to be darkening... What could it be?
10 Answers
Sometimes the swelling created by a gum infection can make your gums look red, swollen and shiny, please follow up with a professional who can diagnose and treat your problem Isabel C. Gay, DDS, MS Clinical Associate Professor Diplomate of the ABP SIU School of Dental Medicine 2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7208
It may be natural pigmentations. You might want to check it out. If it just increased pigmentation, we do laser depigmentation which could easily remove it, with minimal discomfort
There is normal pigmentation in some mouths. If there is a sudden darkening, you should have your gums evaluated to make sure there is nothing alarming going on.
You could have bleeding under gums or tarter under your gums or a cavity under your gums.
It could be racial pigmentation, smoking, or some type of heavy metal poisoning, among a whole lot of other things. Please see your dentist or periodontist for a definitive diagnosis.
In periodontal (gum) disease bacteria begins to migrate along the root surfaces under the gum causing damage to the gum and bone. As the gum tissue reacts to the bacteria the gum swells. Over time the gum tissue becomes cyanotic (is deprived of oxygen) and becomes darker. It is also possible that the dark bacteria that has moved along the root surface is showing through the gum tissue. Either way, you should seek care with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
If your gums are darkening or turning red, not pink, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis. Have your dentist examine you for signs of periodontal disease.
It just might be the color of your gum. You need to see a Periodontist to evaluate them.
You should see your dentist.
Miriam Ting
Periodontist
Please have your dentist take a look at it
