Dark or brown gums are, in most cases, completely normal. The cause is melanin, the same pigment that gives skin its colour, which is why darker gums are common in people with olive or darker skin. They can be lightened for cosmetic reasons with a relatively simple procedure, most often by laser. But a new or changing dark spot is different from general pigmentation and needs checking before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Gum colour varies from person to person just as skin colour does, and dark colour alone is not a sign of disease. The most common causes are:
Normal pigmentation is usually long-standing, widespread, symmetrical and unchanging. A spot that needs checking is one that breaks this pattern. Melanoma inside the mouth is very rare, but early detection matters, so do not ignore these signs:
Gum depigmentation means removing the thin surface layer of the gum that holds the pigment, so the gum heals with a new, lighter layer. It is done under local anaesthetic, usually in one session per jaw or for both jaws depending on the case. Methods include:
Dentists usually require the gums to be healthy and free of inflammation, and the cause of pigmentation to be known and not worrying. So treatment starts with an examination and a scale and clean if needed. The procedure may be postponed or adjusted for people with very thin gums, conditions that affect wound healing such as poorly controlled diabetes, and during pregnancy.
The result usually lasts for years, but some pigment can return over time in some people, and this varies from person to person. Smoking makes it more likely to return, so quitting is part of keeping the result. If pigment returns, the session can be repeated after assessment.
In the first days the gum looks white or light grey, which is a normal part of healing, and the new colour shows within about one to two weeks. You may have sensitivity or mild soreness for several days, and your dentist will advise what helps.
Soft, lukewarm food is usually recommended, avoiding spicy and acidic food and very hot drinks such as coffee and tea in the first days, brushing very gently around the area, and avoiding smoking as much as possible, since it slows healing and makes the colour more likely to return.
It is done under local anaesthetic, and most patients feel mild discomfort for a few days afterwards. How much you feel varies from person to person.
When done on healthy gums with the right technique, it is superficial and does not touch the bone or tooth roots. That is why any inflammation is treated first.
There is no safe and effective home method for removing pigment from the gums. Acidic or bleaching products can burn the gum and may hide a sign that needs checking.
The new colour usually shows within one to two weeks, and the gum fully settles within a few weeks after that.
See a dentist without delay if a new dark spot appears on your gums or palate, or if a spot grows, changes colour or shape, bleeds or becomes raised. If the colour of your gums only bothers you cosmetically, an examination will identify the cause of the pigmentation and whether lightening suits you. You can book a consultation at Medical Care Clinics in Al-Shati Al-Gharbi, Dammam, close to Al-Khobar and Dhahran, where our dental team will examine your gums and explain the right option for you.
This article is general health education and does not replace a medical examination. Every case needs its own assessment by a doctor.
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