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Home Reasons Your Gums May Darken with Age

Reasons Your Gums May Darken with Age


Posted on 10/20/2019 by Ranches Family Dental
Reasons Your Gums May Darken with AgeWhile gum color tends to vary from one person to the other, black gum and several gum changes might be caused by an underlying medical condition or lifestyle factors such as smoking. Excellent oral health is ideal for your general well-being.

Causes of Dark Gums



Melanin


There is a wide range of conditions which may cause black gums. Melanin is one of the leading reasons of black gums. While the body tends to produce melanin naturally, the more melanin an individual has in their body, the darker the eyes, skin, and hair will be.

Black or dark gums might be caused by excessive melanin in the body. If your gum has always been dark in color, then there is no need to be worried.

Smoking


Smoking is also another common cause of dark gums. This type of condition is widely referred to as smoker's melanosis. Nicotine in tobacco might cause the melanin-producing cells to produce excessive amounts of melanin.

Eventually, this will result in black or brown colored gums. The inside of your lower lips or cheeks might change color as well. There is research which shows that there is a link between a reduction in gun discoloration and quitting smoking.

Medication


Medication such as minocycline, which is used to fight some infections like chlamydia and acne, can also lead to discoloration or pigmentation of the skin. You should make a point of reaching out to us so that we can advise you accordingly.

Amalgam Tattoos


Amalgam Tattoo is also another cause of black gums. While they can appear anywhere in your mouth, they usually will appear adjacent to a filling. The appearance of the amalgam tattoo will always be a blue, grey, or black patch. Amalgam tattoos are formed when the metals used to design the crowns and fillings get dislodged and begin to show under a person's skin.


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