A beautiful smile is not just about straight, white teeth, but also about healthy gums. One of the common issues that occur in the soft tissues of the oral cavity is gum pigmentation. This condition negatively affects the aesthetics of a smile, so patients often visit a doctor when they notice a change in the color of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
What is gum pigmentation?
This term refers to changes that develop on the mucous membrane, resulting in spots of unusual color. It is more commonly seen in patients with African or Mediterranean roots. An important factor provoking the appearance of spots is the increased content of melanin, which causes tissue darkening. In this case, healthy oral tissues may be pink, light, or dark brown, and in some cases even black. This is not considered a pathology. The aesthetic issue can be resolved through professional gum lightening.
Causes of the condition
Besides genetic predisposition, the following illnesses can influence the development of gum pigmentation:
- Endocrine system diseases
- Hormonal imbalance (deficiency or excess)
- Gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis
- Kidney or cardiovascular diseases
- Tooth decay
In some cases, the color of the gums changes due to an inflammatory process in the soft tissues, which may occur after poor dental work (poorly chosen prosthetic design) or inadequate oral hygiene.
The color of the soft tissues can also change with the constant intake of certain medications, such as neuroleptics and anti-inflammatories. In such cases, consultation with the attending physician to find alternative medications is necessary. The gum color changes among smokers as well, so quitting this harmful habit is recommended.
Types of gum pigmentation
The change in the color of the oral soft tissues can vary. The shade may be:
- Black: This could be due to genetic reasons or excess melanin.
- Blue: Spots that are purple or dark blue may indicate cardiovascular or kidney disease.
- Brown: If spots are located on the inner cheeks, outer gums, and lips, longstanding smoking may be the cause.
- Spotted: If there are solitary spots or dark points on the mucous membranes or lips, in some cases, it could be indicative of melanoma.
It is recommended to immediately visit a doctor to get the correct diagnosis.
Treatment methods
Areas with pigment changes on the gums are primarily concerning to patients for aesthetic reasons. A doctor conducts an examination to determine the cause. If a pathology is not found, there are no medical indications for the removal of the pigmented tissues. Removal for aesthetic improvement is more relevant if the pigment is in the smile zone. Popular therapy methods include:
- Laser treatment: This apparatus provides quick and safe depigmentation for complete spot removal. The technique allows for a long remission period. With professional laser use, burns are excluded. The procedure is painless and does not cause discomfort to the patient. Melanin-producing skin cells should be in the laser’s field of action, as the beam absorbs light energy and converts it into heat through photothermolysis. The procedure’s intensity and the timing of repetitions may vary depending on the individual clinical picture.
- Surgical intervention: A dentist uses a classical or ultrasonic scalpel to remove discolored soft tissue areas. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient experiences no pain. A downside is the potential short-term result since melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin) can cause a recurrent color change.
- Cryosurgical removal: Freezing pigmented areas.
- Tissue transplant: Conducted in exceptional cases. Tissues are taken from the palate and transplanted to the pigmented gum area.
The treatment method is selected based on the affected tissue area, pigment color, and the underlying cause for the gum color change. In our clinic, experienced doctors will consult with you, make a precise diagnosis, and prescribe suitable treatment to eliminate the identified condition.
Mistakes in treatment and complications
When treating pigmented gum areas, the following mistakes and complications may occur:
- With laser use, burns to soft tissues can happen if the wrong temperature or beam exposure time is chosen.
- Surgical intervention can lead to an inflammatory process at the operation site, requiring additional intervention.
- Cryolaser complications can arise if the temperature and exposure time are not chosen correctly.
- If the diagnosis is incorrect, the selected therapy method will not yield the expected effect, necessitating further examination and the appointment of appropriate treatment.
Healthy gums can be different colors: pink, light to dark brown, or with black areas. To determine whether the gum color is a norm or indicative of a disease, it is recommended to consult a dentist.
