DARK COLORED GUMS
11/06/2005 |
Question:
MY 7 YR OLD HAS DARK COLORED GUMS AT THE BOTTOM. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Answer:
Pigmentation of the gums (dark color seen at the gingiva) is generally physiological (normal) depending on the person’s race. African Americans present more pigmentation, thus gums may have a darker color, especially in some areas. This is generally seen symmetrically (present both in right and left sites).
Sometimes, darker color may happen due to a foreign body. It generally occurs due to amalgam restoration materials staying around following tooth extraction, etc. [It looks like a tattoo.]
And sometimes, they may be related to a local pathology affecting melanin-releasing cells [very similar to what we experience on skin].
It may also be related to systemic health problems, especially related to blood cells. Thus, I recommend you visit a pedodontist (dentist with a speciality in children’s oral health) if you do not have African American, Mediterranean, Asian, etc. background and/or if the color changes are newly noticed and/or if the color change is not symmetrical.
For more information:
Go to the Gum Diseases health topic.