by Malavi Sivakanesan • 20 January 2025 • 5 min read
Gums naturally come in a range of colours, from pink to darker shades, depending on your skin tone and genetics. But have you noticed your gums turning black? Well, that can be problematic. Not only can it impact your confidence, but it may also signal underlying oral health issues. The reasons behind this discolouration can range from harmless causes like high melanin levels to more serious concerns like periodontal disease. If you’re also wondering what is the black stuff on my teeth, it’s essential to address both issues as they may be linked to your overall oral health. To understand all the possible causes and discover effective preventive measures, read the complete blog.
Causes of Black Gums
Knowing the causes is the first step towards getting rid of black gums. So, if you don’t want to compromise your oral health, check out the various black gum causes:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Neglecting regular brushing and flossing is a clear sign of poor oral hygiene. Over time, this leads to the buildup of black tooth plaque on the gums, causing them to gradually turn yellow and eventually black as the plaque hardens.
Amalgam Tattoo
Mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, are made of a silver alloy used in dental procedures. Sometimes, small particles of this material get lodged in the gum, causing a bluish-grey discolouration known as an Amalgam tattoo. While harmless, it is a cosmetic concern and poses no health risks.
Use of Tobacco and Smoking
If you are a smoker or consume tobacco products continuously, it’s not only harmful to your physical health but also to your oral health. It can even ruin your smile beyond the obvious staining of teeth, and you may notice your gum darkening over time. This condition is known as melanosis, which is a direct result of tobacco.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Necrotising periodontal disease is a gum disease where your gum tissues start dying due to a bacterial infection and lack of blood supply. It can quickly damage your gums, ligaments, and bones, leading to tooth loss. If you have black spots on your teeth accompanied by pain and swelling of gums, it may be a sign of necrotising periodontal disease.
How to Prevent Black Discoloration in Teeth and Gums
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and free from discolouration, then you should follow some simple preventive measures given below:
Have a Healthy Diet
In order to prevent black staining of teeth, you should take a diet that has less sugar and is not acidic in nature. You should also increase the intake of vitamin-rich foods as it reduces the risk of black rotted teeth.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Dental checkups are very necessary to keep your dazzling smile in a proper manner. Regular checkups let your dentist diagnose the issue before it gets too serious and avoid big oral problems. Thus, it saves you from much more in the future.
Quit Smoking
You should take active steps to quit smoking. You can take the help of gummies or patches designed for quitting smoking. It can help make the transition easier while benefiting your oral health. These gummies often contain natural ingredients like herbal extracts and vitamins that may help reduce cravings and support overall well-being during the quitting process.
Treatment Options for Black Gums and Teeth
Even after following all the preventive measures, if you observe black cracked tooth issues, then you should consider the following treatments:
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling and polishing involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from your tooth. Specialised tools are used for scaling to remove these deposits, whereas polishing the tooth prevents the re-accumulation of plaque on your teeth.
If you are observing the early stages of discolouration, then you should go for professional cleaning as a preventive measure. It can help you to restore your teeth to a healthier state and prevent darkening again.
Composite Bonding
If you are having problems like black front teeth or black cracked teeth, you can go through composite bonding treatment. It can cover the discoloured areas using tooth-coloured resin. However, it is only suitable for you if you have minor cracks or discolouration that do not affect the structure of your tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
You may require a root canal treatment when decay reaches the pulp, often causing black tooth decay near the gum line. If you are having severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods, you should immediately consult a dentist for this treatment. This procedure removes infected tissue, relieves you from discomfort, and prevents the spread of infection in your body.
For patients who are anxious or fearful of undergoing a root canal, sedation dentistry is a viable option. It helps relax your body and significantly reduces the pain and discomfort during the treatment, making the entire process more manageable and stress-free.
Gum Depigmentation Surgery
Gum depigmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is normally done by removing the top layer of pigmented gum tissue of your teeth. It is done using techniques like laser treatment, surgical excision or abrasion.
When to Seek Professional Dental Help?
Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to take proactive steps to avoid gum discolouration. However, even after following all preventive steps, if you face severe problems like necrotising periodontal disease, black spots, or persistent discolouration, it’s time to seek professional help. If you’re also concerned about what are black marks on teeth, it’s crucial to address these issues early. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and help restore your oral health.
If you are looking for a dental clinic with extensive experience and a solid reputation, contact Complete Smiles for all specialised dental solutions. They offer flexible payment plans, free consultations for selected treatments, and a friendly team that provides care for even the most nervous patients.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.