Have you ever looked in the mirror and discovered that your gums, seemingly suddenly, have black spots on them? The good news is that several things may cause this, and most aren’t harmful. Gums are usually pink, but sometimes they can develop black or dark brown spots. However, black spots on your gums can be a warning sign of more serious conditions. AMBA is here to help explain the causes of dark spots in your mouth and what they mean.
What Causes Black Spots on the Gums?
- Bruises
Like any other part of your body, your gums can be injured. Bruises on the gums are usually dark red, purple, or black. Minor bleeding and pain may also accompany the bruise. Walking into a wall, falling and hitting your face, eating something with sharp edges, and even brushing or flossing your teeth too aggressively can cause your gums to bruise.
Bruises frequently heal on their own without medical treatment. If you start developing more bruises or discover your gums are bleeding, you may have thrombocytopenia or hemophilia, two conditions that make it difficult for your blood to clot. If this happens, be sure to inform your doctor so they can help you find the right treatment.
- Blue Nevus
A blue nevus is a harmless mole. It appears round and either flat or lightly raised. Blue nevi can be black or blue and usually resemble a freckle on the gums.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a blue nevus simply by looking at it. Although these moles typically don’t require any treatment, if their shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may do a biopsy, which involves removing a piece of the nevus to test it for cancer.
- Amalgam Tattoos
It’s not unusual for a deposit of amalgam to remain on your gums after you’ve had a cavity filled, creating a dark spot. Amalgam is the particle used for dental fillings. Amalgam can sometimes lodge in the area around the filling, causing a stain in the soft tissue. Your dentist can usually diagnose an amalgam spot just by looking at it.
Although amalgam tattoos aren’t removable, they’re harmless and don’t require treatment. To prevent the risk of an amalgam tattoo, ask your dentist to use a rubber dam when you need a filling. This can help separate your teeth from your gums and prevent particles from getting into the surrounding tissue during the procedure.
- Spots That Look Like Freckles
Melanotic macules are harmless spots that resemble freckles. Some people are born with them, and others develop them later in life. They can appear on different parts of the body, including the gums. Melanotic macules are usually between 1 and 8 millimeters in diameter and
Although doctors aren’t sure about the exact causes of melanotic macules, they don’t cause any other symptoms and don’t require treatment. If the spot’s shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may perform a biopsy to test for cancer.
- Oral Cancer
Black gums can also be a symptom of oral cancer. Additional symptoms associated with oral cancer include open sores, unusual bleeding, and swelling in the mouth. You may also have a chronic sore throat or notice a change in your voice. The most significant risk factors for developing oral cancer are drinking large amounts of alcohol and chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Drink in moderation and avoid tobacco use to help prevent oral cancer.
While black spots on your gums can be harmless, they can also result from an underlying disease. If you notice black spots on your gums, especially if the spots are painful or change in size, shape, or color, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Many oral conditions, including oral cancers, are treatable when caught early. However, if left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including reconstructive facial surgery and death.
Visit Your Dentist
Catching early signs of a potential problem can be as simple as going for routine check-ups with your dentist. As part of a routine dental examination, your dentist will usually inspect your entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous changes. A high-quality Dental Plan through your association and AMBA can help you keep up with your regular dental check-ups. The plan features checkups, access to any dentist you want with bigger savings by visiting one of the thousands of in-network providers, and significant savings on fillings, X-rays, and many other procedures. Learn more or call 866-979-0497.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997