What causes gums to change color? The short answer is that it’s usually not anything serious, but can signal certain underlying conditions in some individuals. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of gingival hyperpigmentation as well as the natural and medical treatments you may want to try on your own at home or with the help of your dentist to get your gums back to their natural whiteness.
Causes:
Gingival hyperpigmentation is one of several types of gingival staining. This is not a dangerous condition, but in some individuals, it can signal that gum disease is present. Gingival staining can also be a physiological response to aging as well as diet habits like smoking or drinking coffee or tea. If you experience gingival hyperpigmentation in your gums, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. He or she will provide you with information about prevention and treatment options.
Diagnosing Hyperpigmented Gums:
This can be a tricky process. While most people with gum hyperpigmentation may suspect it’s due to poor oral hygiene, that’s not always true. Some individuals who brush their teeth twice daily are still prone to developing gingival hyperpigmentation, while others may be completely spotless when they suddenly develop darkened gums. If you notice that your gums have turned darker than normal—or dark spots appear on them—you should visit your dentist or doctor immediately to rule out any health issues; discolored gums could indicate periodontitis (gum disease) or an underlying issue such as hypothyroidism. A thorough examination of your mouth will help determine if there is a medical issue contributing to your condition.
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Managing Gingival Hyperpigmentation:
Gingival hyperpigmentation is a common condition that most people have never heard of. This darkening of gingival tissue affects some individuals more than others. The condition is harmless for most people; it is frequently mistaken for staining caused by coffee, tea or tobacco. In fact, gingival hyperpigmentation has nothing to do with these lifestyle choices and everything to do with your teeth and gums’ color. In many cases, it results from an excessive presence of melanin in areas where there shouldn’t be as much of it (for example, on your teeth). Here are some steps you can take to manage gingival hyperpigmentation at home.
What If I Have Darker Gums?
Gingival hyperpigmentation usually starts in adulthood as a normal physiological response to periodontal disease. It may be a sign of gingivitis in some patients. Gingival hyperpigmentation may also occur when medications (such as Advil) interfere with heme oxygenase activity. The same skin conditions that lead to the darkening of other body parts—such as tanning due to ultraviolet exposure—can make your gums appear darker in color than usual. If you are bothered by an unusual coloration or texture of your gums, consult with a periodontist who can determine whether you have gum hypertrophy or gingival hyperpigmentation.
Preventing Gingival Hyperpigmentation:
The most effective way to prevent gingival hyperpigmentation is by practicing good oral hygiene. Consistent brushing and flossing keep bacteria away from your teeth, which ultimately means less irritation to your gums. The more you maintain your oral health with daily brushing and flossing, the lower your chances of developing gingival hyperpigmentation. Once it does occur, however, there are things you can do to improve it.
Hi, I am James Aaron, a professional Data recovery Engineer, working with Quickbooks Data Services as a consultant from the past five years in the USA. I am a specialized and trained Cloud consultant who helps small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. QuickBooks Closes Unexpectedly | QuickBooks Error H202 | QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error | QuickBooks Error 1712 | This Company File Needs to be updated | QuickBooks Restore Failed | QuickBooks Email not working | QuickBooks 2020 end of support
