Can I get rid of dark gums?
Normal gums are supposed to look coral pink in color. However, there are some situations where one can develop dark gums, while in some cases, it is genetic and natural. If you have landed on this blog, you are probably concerned about your dark gums and are wondering if anything can be done. Well, we are here to tell you, yes! There are many aesthetic dental procedures provided by our board-certified periodontist Dr. Sanz for dark gums. Keep reading to know more.
What causes dark gums?
- Our body naturally secretes a pigment called melanin. Melanin gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Some people have more melanin secretion, which can cause their gums to have a darker color. If your gums have always been dark, there is no cause for concern. However, if you have noticed recent changes or a deepening of color, it’s a sign to visit a dentist in Delaware and let them take a look.
- Smoking
- Addison’s disease
- Bacterial infections of the gums
- Amalgam discoloration
- Lead poisoning
- Medications such as tetracyclines
Some forms of dark gums from smoking, amalgam tattoo, bacterial infections, or medications can easily be treated with gum bleaching and laser depigmentation procedures. Some, like lead poisoning, Addison’s, etc., may require treatment of the underlying cause followed by gum depigmentation procedures.
Gum bleaching or gum depigmentation is a professional periodontal cosmetic procedure that helps remove extra pigmentation from the skin.
Dr. Sanz will use whitening solutions combined with dermabrasion to remove the upper layer of the gums. When the gums heal, they attain their former pink color. At Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, you can also go for laser treatment for dark gums. A laser is used to ablate the gum’s upper layer, revealing a fresh pink layer. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia and have a minimum downtime which ensures optimum comfort and quick recovery.
If you have any more questions, please reach out to us; our team of dental professionals is here to answer all your questions.
