Gums Hyperpigmentation: What You Need to Know
Do you have some dark spots on your gums that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? While they may be worrisome, there’s nothing to be alarmed about. These spots may simply be gum hyperpigmentation, or darkened gum tissue due to an accumulation of pigment in the skin cells. Gum hyperpigmentation can be harmless and normal but may also indicate more serious problems like gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. Learn more about this common condition, how it affects gums and how to treat it, here!
Common causes
Striae or strands of deep purplish color are often a diffuse deep purplish discoloration, while brown and light brown or black patches may be either as a diffuse deep purplish discoloration or as irregularly shaped brown and light brown or black patches. Even though most people know that gingival hyperpigmentation is related to one’s teeth, they may not be aware of some of the other causes. The condition can signal a variety of underlying health conditions such as gingivitis in some individuals and can also be a physiological response to inflammation, medication or hormonal changes. Therefore it is important for people who experience this condition to visit their dentist for an examination and diagnosis.
Ways to prevent or reduce it
Regardless of the cause, there are ways you can reduce or prevent gingival hyperpigmentation. Keep your gums healthy by flossing, brushing and visiting your dentist for a regular cleaning. Avoid anything that irritates your gums, such as toothpaste with baking soda, cigarettes or recreational drugs. And lastly, if you want to lighten areas of the skin on your body that have deep brown hyperpigmented striae or strands—including those around your mouth—try taking vitamin C supplements.
Precautions you need to take when treating this issue
There are a few options for managing the condition depending on the severity of your hyperpintation. Striae may be used as a treatment for more minor cases, while injection and laser therapies have been shown to have the best results when it comes to removing gingival pigmentation. However, keep in mind that other treatments like bleaching agents and topical agents haven’t been researched very well yet. Check with your dentist if you would like a consultation before making any decisions about treating your gingival hyperpigmentation.
How you can treat it at home
It’s recommended that you start by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Consider taking daily rinses with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. There are also some topical treatments you can apply directly to the area for short-term treatment, such as salt water, saline mouthwash or topical chlorhexidine rinses. These might help lessen some of the discoloration from tooth enamel peeling off gum tissue. If symptoms persist and worsen over time, please visit your dentist and find out if something more serious is going on.
When you should see your dentist
Medical knowledge about gingival hyperpigmentation has improved tremendously over the past decade. While not usually a sign of any underlying condition, it can signal gingivitis in some individuals and may also be a physiological response to inflammation, medication or hormonal changes. Individuals who have these symptoms should see their dentist for an evaluation and possible treatment recommendations.
Individuals with striae or strands should seek evaluation by a physician as this can be an indicator of lichen planus or cheilitis granulomatosa (drug induced). Dental evaluation is often suggested in these cases as well.
What causes hyperpigmentation of gums?
While the true cause of gingival hyperpigmentation is not yet fully understood, it’s generally caused by some type of inflammation or medication that suppresses the body’s natural response and allows bacteria in. But there are other factors that may lead to this pigmentation as well. As a diffuse deep purplish discoloration or as irregularly shaped brown and light brown or black patches, this condition can be treated with professional laser therapy if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort.
How do you treat pigmented gums?
So, you’re looking for ways to help your gums go back pink? Well, I have a few ideas that could work.
-Go see your dentist or doctor and make sure that you don’t have any sort of inflammation in your mouth.
-If it’s been a while since you brushed and flossed, then do so now.
-Check whether or not you use oral health products (toothpaste) containing alcohol. If so, switch to something else as long as possible. The longer the duration of usage, the less likely your tissue will ever return back pink. There are more natural options out there like coconut oil and baking soda toothpaste.
How can I get my gums back pink?
The first step is to be sure your gums are not inflamed. As a diffuse deep purplish discoloration or as irregularly shaped brown and light brown or black patches, it’s difficult for your dentist, who can normally simply brush away excess plaque with a toothbrush, to remove the stains caused by gingival hyperpigmentation. They’ll also need to use other treatments such as bleaching gums and massaging sensitive areas. Continue these oral care techniques daily and you should start seeing some changes in six months.
How do you get rid of hyperpigmentation on your gums?
While it’s a sign of nothing more than tooth and gum health in some people, gingival hyperpigmentation can also signal inflammation, medication or hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do at home to keep your gums looking their best, such as practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with an ADA-approved soft toothbrush and flossing once daily. Remember to be gentle with your teeth, since force could cause irritation. And don’t forget the importance of seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkups!
