Why are gums black and red?

There are many reasons for black gums. The most likely reason is periodontitis, a common periodontal disease that can darken the edges of the gums and cause pigmentation. Some bad habits in daily life are also important causes of black gums. For example, frequent smoking, endocrine disorders, or vitamin deficiency, etc. may cause this phenomenon.

Why are gums black and red?

This situation may be caused by periodontitis, or it may be that metal salts are absorbed into the body through the blood circulation, which can form band-like or linear light gray or blue-black pigment deposits on the edge of the gums, which are called lead lines or mercury lines.

There are many factors that can cause gums to turn darker, such as smoking, dentures, pregnancy, endocrine disorders, and vitamin deficiency.

Some people find that their gums are black, unlike other people's gums which are pink, and they worry whether they have some disease. The substances that cause the color change of gums or oral mucosa have two sources. One part comes from the body itself, called endogenous substances, mainly melanin and various pigments from hemoglobin, and the other part comes from outside the body, called exogenous substances, mainly heavy metals, dyes, plant pigments and medicinal properties.

Suggestions:

Clinically, gingival tissue is divided into three parts: free gingiva, attached gingiva and gingival papilla. The attached gingiva of normal people is pink, but in a few normal people, diffuse cloud-like melanin deposition can be seen on the surface of the attached gingiva, especially in dark-skinned people and black people. This pigmentation has no pathological significance and does not require treatment.

In addition, some exogenous pigment substances, such as heavy metal salts (lead, mercury), are absorbed into the body through blood circulation, and can form band-shaped or linear light gray or blue-black pigment deposits on the edge of the gums, which are called lead lines and mercury lines. In addition, long-term heavy smokers will also have pigment deposits caused by tobacco on the surface of the gums. Some drugs can also cause changes in the color of oral mucosa and teeth.

It should be emphasized that if the melanin deposited area on the gums or upper palate becomes rough, raised, easily bleeds or lumps appear, you should seek medical attention in time.