ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A

Why Do Gums get Darker as We Get Older?


Posted on 9/21/2020 by Office
Why Do Gums get Darker as We Get Older?Gums are not always pink. Most people are unaware that they can vary in color between pink to black. Although most might think darker gums mean unhealthy gums, that is not always the case. Certainly, in some cases the change in color could be related to something as simple as gingivitis or as serious as oral cancer. Before patients' panic, it is important to know the change in color could simply be a variation and not of consequence. It could also be caused by smoking. Obviously, if you are concerned, please contact us.

Causes of Dark Gums


There are multiple reasons gums can change color and become darker. Melanin can not only make your skin darker but also your gums. If someone has a higher than normal amount of melanin in their bodies, their gums will be darker. Smokers can have darker gums because nicotine can trigger higher levels of melanin. In some cases, dark gums can be caused by endocrine disease or by certain medications such as antimalarials, antipsychotics, cancer therapy medications and some antibiotics.

Treatment for Dark Gums


While treatment for dark gums is not necessary in most cases, there are some procedures available. These are considered largely cosmetic in nature. The dark gum tissue can be removed via surgery though it is not always a permanent solution. Cryosurgery can also help with a procedure that freezes the darkened tissue. It tends to be longer lasting than traditional surgery. Gingival grafting is the third treatment option in which lighter gum tissue is transplanted to another area of the gum. If you have questions or would like to have evaluation done to hear about the various treatment options and find out which one would best serve you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

logo2
EASY TO FIND LOCATION
Next to the Marysville Safeway Plaza

1533 GROVE STREET
MARYSVILLE, WA 98270


button for CIRC ORG reqAppt
Book Online
button for CIRC ORG contactUs
Copyright © 2017-2024 Grove Street Family Dentistry - Tania Tran, DMD and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Dental Blog | Tania Tran, DMD - Grove Street Family Dentistry
Dr. Tania Tran has provided this educational blog as a resource for the community. We hope that this blog will cover subjects you may be interested in. Call us!
Grove Street Family Dentistry - Tania Tran, DMD, 1533 Grove Street, Marysville, WA 98270-4325; (360) 659-3200; grovestreetdentist.com; 11/5/2024; Page Terms:dentist;