Question:

im 25 years old and my gums started turning black around puberty and they are still black. all the gums are black not just below a single tooth. i do have two cavities that need filling. none of my teeth are loose.could you tell me the causes and solution plz.

Answer:

Color changes may occur due to several reasons.

1- It can be physiological (due to race and/or ethnic background. For example, African-Americans present whiter teeth with darker gums).

2- It can be a tattoo-type pigmentation due to a restoration (etc). But this is generally in a local area where you may have a tooth restored with metal or amalgam.

3- It can be environmental…For instance, mine workers present darker gums.

4- It may be a side effect of long-term tetracycline uptake. If you used this antibiotic for an infection, etc., this may cause darker gums.

 

For more information:

Go to the Gum Diseases health topic.