The most common symptom of black gums, also known as gum hyperpigmentation, is the appearance of dark spots on your gums. These spots can appear anywhere from light brown to very dark black in color, depending on how long they have been present and the size of the area that has been affected. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat black gums before it becomes a serious dental health problem…
Why Does It happen?
The reason why some people develop black gums has to do with their immune systems. Normally, when bacteria or other harmful agents try to enter your body, it triggers your immune system to produce antibodies that fight them off. For some unknown reason, sometimes those antibodies mistakenly believe that proteins in your mouth are foreign invaders. When they attack these proteins, a chemical called melanin is produced as part of that process. Melanin has a dark pigment, so it stains whatever it touches; in this case, it stains parts of your gums black.
What Are The Signs?
While dark spots on your gums can be a sign of gingivitis, there are other potential causes. Bleeding is one of them. Another common reason for spotting on your gums is trauma or irritation caused by excessive brushing or flossing. As long as you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t brush too hard (which can also lead to gum recession), there should be no bleeding or trauma. In many cases, it takes months for dark spots to appear after trauma from teeth brushing or flossing; However, in some cases, black spots may appear within hours of injury to your gum tissues!
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How Do You Get Rid Of Black Gums?
While it’s not known why some people get black gums and others don’t, there are a few ways to prevent them from happening. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once or twice daily. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes, electric brushes, or loofahs with natural bristles, as hard toothbrushes can damage your gums more than help them. And if you wear dentures, make sure they are clean and free of plaque by soaking them overnight in a solution containing two tablespoons of table salt dissolved in hot water.
How Do You Prevent It?
If you’re prone to getting gum issues, visit your dentist and get a professional cleaning at least twice a year. Check-in regularly with your dentist; they can keep an eye out for gum problems so they can be addressed early. To prevent black gums, clean your teeth twice per day with a soft brush and floss every day or so. As far as food goes, if you really enjoy coffee, tea, or dark-colored sodas (like colas), try cutting back to see if that helps. You could also see if cutting back on spicy or acidic foods like salsa will help control your gums; some people claim spicy foods are responsible for worsening their black gums problem.