It can be quite disorienting to wake up to sudden black spots blooming on your gums. Not only is the sight scary, but it can make all sorts of alarm bells go off in your head. You might try to scrape the spots off with your fingernail or aggressively brush against them to get rid of them. But what if we told you that these spots aren’t something to worry about? Keep reading to learn more about the causes and treatments of this peculiar phenomenon.
Causes of Black Spots on Gums
Typically, a spot or mark on your gums isn’t something to stress about, especially if there are no other symptoms to follow it, like pain, raised surface, or bad breath. Nevertheless, here are some of the most common reasons behind these mysterious spots:
- Amalgam Spot
Commonly found near a cavity-filled tooth, an amalgam spot is pretty harmless. The amalgam from the filling can sometimes bleed out and stain the soft tissues of your gums, causing a black spot to appear. - Blue Nevus
Most commonly found in women and children, blue nevus is a non-cancerous mole that pops up on your gums. It can either be raised or flat, but overall the dark mole is harmless. - Bruises
Believe it or not, gums can also get bruised. Be it by eating something pointy or brushing too hard; your gums are susceptible to damage. Although when these bruises form, they appear in different shades, which is why some bruises may be a deep red or purple, whereas an old or serious bruise might be brown or black. - Eruption Hematoma
When a tooth is about to erupt, it can lead to a pus-filled pocket forming on the gums. In some cases, this pocket can also have blood mixed in with the pus. The cyst – known as an eruption hematoma – appears as a black spot because of the blood present in it. - Melanotic Macule
A direct result of hyperpigmentation, melanotic macule is simply too much melanin pouring out of your skin. It’s a condition that causes freckles to appear on your lips, gums, cheeks, and other areas inside your mouth. - Oral Melanoacanthoma
Classified as a rare condition, oral melanoacanthoma is a condition that leads to black spots appearing all over your mouth. However, as daunting as it sounds, this condition is completely harmless, and the effects tend to go away on their own without any treatment. - Oral Cancer
A black spot on your gums, followed by swelling, open sores, and random bleeding, can be a sign of something severe, such as oral cancer. If the discoloration is followed by pain or discomfort, let your dentist know immediately.
How To Get Rid of The Black on My Gums?
Depending on the cause of the black spots, each treatment is different. Your dentist may suggest you get a dental cleaning or, in more serious cases, have you scheduled for surgery.
Maintaining a good oral care routine is the best way to avoid such instances. You should also make it a habit to schedule regular appointments with your dentist every six months to ensure your oral health meets the standards.
Final Takeaway
All in all, black spots on gums aren’t anything to be worried about. But if you experience pain, irritation, or any other symptoms along with the discoloration, reach out to Smile 360 Family Dentistry instantly at (909) 980-4878. You can also come and visit us at 9778 19th St, Alta Loma, CA 91737, near Rancho Bootcamp, for an in-person evaluation.