Discovering dark spots on your gums can be worrying, but most are harmless. They may be natural pigmentation, effects of smoking or small marks left by old fillings. However, some changes in colour should be checked by a dentist. Understanding the common causes helps you know when to seek advice.
Many people naturally have brown or dark patches on their gums, especially those with darker skin tones. This pigmentation is caused by melanin, the same pigment that colours skin. It is usually present from childhood, appears evenly on both sides and does not change over time.
Smoking and shisha can stimulate pigment cells in the gums, leading to darker patches, often on the front gums. This may lighten over time after quitting.
Small particles of silver filling material can become embedded in the gum during dental work, leaving a blue-grey or black mark. These are harmless but should be checked if they change.
Some medications can cause gum pigmentation. Tell your dentist about any medicines you take.
New dark spots, spots that are growing, changing shape or colour, raised, bleeding or associated with ulcers should be examined promptly. Rarely, pigmented lesions can be serious.
If natural pigmentation bothers you cosmetically, gum depigmentation procedures may be an option. Your dentist can discuss whether this is suitable.
Your dentist may photograph spots to monitor them over time.
When you mention a dark spot, your dentist will ask how long it has been there, whether it has changed and whether you smoke or take regular medication. They will examine its size, shape, colour and texture and look for similar areas elsewhere in the mouth. Photographs may be taken to compare at later visits. If a spot has unusual features or is changing, your dentist may recommend a biopsy, a small tissue sample, to check it under a microscope. Most spots turn out to be harmless, but checking provides peace of mind.
Children may also have natural gum pigmentation, especially in families with darker skin tones. Dark spots can occasionally be caused by injury, a bruise under the gum, or a darkened baby tooth showing through the gum after trauma. If you notice a new dark area in your child's mouth, mention it at their next check-up, or sooner if it is accompanied by swelling, pain or a loose tooth.
Whatever the colour of your gums, good oral hygiene, regular professional cleaning and avoiding tobacco help keep them healthy. Pay attention to changes in colour, texture or comfort, and report them to your dentist. Regular check-ups include a careful examination of all the soft tissues in your mouth, which helps detect any concerning changes early.
Often yes, especially in people with darker skin tones.
Yes. Smoking can cause pigmentation called smoker's melanosis.
If it is new, changing, raised or bleeding.
Book a check-up if you notice new dark spots on your gums. Learn more about professional teeth cleaning in Al Ain.
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