[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/04\/black-gums\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/04\/black-gums\/","headline":"Why Are My Gums Black?","name":"Why Are My Gums Black?","description":"

<\/p>","datePublished":"2026-04-17","dateModified":"2026-04-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2157855430-e1776446923759.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2157855430-e1776446923759.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/04\/black-gums\/","about":["Family Health","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":982,"articleBody":"Smiling in the mirror may be alarming if black patches on gums seem to appear out of nowhere. The good news is that most causes of black stains on gums are harmless.Here’s how to tell when black gums are normal, when to call your dentist, and how to get rid of black gums.What Causes Black Gums?Your gums get their color from melanin, the natural pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes. Like skin and hair tones, gum color varies widely from person to person and across different populations.But gums can also darken for other reasons, including tartar buildup, staining, inflammation, or certain medical conditions.What Does It Mean When Gums Are Black?Several conditions can lead to black gums. Some causes are natural, while others require treatment.Gingival pigmentationSome people naturally have darker gums because their gum tissue contains more melanin. This darker coloring, called gingival pigmentation, is the most common reason gums look brown or black. It\u2019s usually harmless.If your gum color has been the same since childhood or adolescence, has an even, dark color, and doesn’t include pain or swelling, gingival pigmentation is the likely cause.Smoker\u2019s melanosisSmoking can stimulate melanin production in your gums. This leads to brown or black patches, called smoker’s melanosis, especially on the front gums.This discoloration often fades if you quit smoking.Tartar build-upIf you see black tartar on the gum line, you\u2019re likely looking at hardened plaque that has absorbed minerals or pigments. Tartar can turn dark from:Certain foods and drinks.Iron in saliva.Long-term plaque buildup.Tartar can cause black gums around teeth because it irritates the tissue and traps bacteria. Only a dental cleaning can remove it.Staining from foods, drinks, or medicationsDark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, wine, or berries, can stain your gums, especially if you have plaque. Some medications can also cause changes in your gum color.Amalgam tattoosIf you\u2019ve had silver fillings, tiny particles can embed in the gum and create small, flat, blue-black spots called amalgam tattoos. These are harmless and don\u2019t spread.Medical conditionsSome medical conditions can cause gum discoloration. These include:Addison\u2019s disease \u2014 Rare condition where the adrenal glands don\u2019t make enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin darkening, stomach upset, and salt cravings.Certain cancerous or non-cancerous growths \u2014 May appear as abnormal spots or bumps on the gums.Peutz-Jeghers syndrome \u2014 Rare inherited condition causing polyps in the digestive tract and dark, freckle\u2011like spots on the lips, mouth, hands, feet, and sometimes the genitals.How to Get Rid of Black GumsYou may see a darker color on the front gums, inner cheeks, or near dental restorations. Dentists often evaluate the pattern of the dark spots \u2014 widespread, patchy, or limited to one spot. This helps distinguish normal melanin activity from spots that need closer monitoring.Black gum treatment depends on the cause:Gum depigmentation \u2014 For people who want to lighten naturally dark gums, dentists can use laser therapy or surgical techniques to remove excess pigment. Studies show that laser depigmentation, a treatment that lightens dark or patchy gums by targeting the pigment that causes discoloration, is effective and well-tolerated.Monitoring suspicious spots \u2014 If an area or spot looks unusual, your dentist may recommend a biopsy to rule out rare conditions.Professional cleaning \u2014 If tartar or staining is the cause, a cleaning removes buildup and restores your natural gum color.Stopping tobacco use \u2014 If smoking is causing pigmentation, quitting often leads to gradual fading.Treating underlying conditions \u2014 If your dentist suspects a medical condition is causing your black gums, they may refer you to a specialist.What Causes Black Line on Teeth?Black lines on teeth usually come from:Chromogenic bacteria (harmless bacteria that cause stains).Old metal dental work.Staining from foods or drinks.Tartar buildup at the gum line.How do I get rid of black lines on my teeth?Your dentist may recommend:Polishing to remove surface stains.Replacing old metal restorations if they\u2019re causing discoloration.Scaling to remove tartar.Whitening treatments.Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent the lines from returning.Gum Discoloration Prevention and CareYou can reduce your risk of tooth and gum discoloration with simple daily habits:Avoid tobacco \u2014 Smoking is a major cause of gum pigmentation and gum disease.Brush twice a day \u2014 Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the gum line, where plaque tends to collect.Floss daily \u2014 Flossing removes plaque between teeth, where black staining often starts.Rinse with water after dark foods \u2014 Coffee, tea, wine, and berries can stain gums and teeth. A quick rinse helps.Schedule regular cleanings \u2014 Professional cleanings remove tartar and catch early signs of gum problems.When to see a dentistIf anything looks new or unusual, a dentist can help you figure out what\u2019s going on and guide you toward the right treatment. Early evaluation also helps rule out rare but serious causes. Reach out to a dental professional if you notice:A black line that doesn\u2019t brush off.A spot that looks irregular or changes over time.Black gums around your teeth with swelling or bleeding.New or rapidly changing dark spots.Pain, tenderness, or sores.SourcesFerreria, L., et al. Medscape, Disorders of Oral Pigmentation, Etiology. Accessed March 2026. https:\/\/emedicine.medscape.com\/article\/1078143-overview#a7. Link.Ferreria, L., et al. Medscape, Disorders of Oral Pigmentation, Overview. Accessed March 2026. https:\/\/emedicine.medscape.com\/article\/1078143-overview. Link.Ferreria, L., et al. Medscape, Disorders of Oral Pigmentation, Pathophysiology. Accessed March 2026. https:\/\/emedicine.medscape.com\/article\/1078143-overview#a5. Link.Goyushov S., et al. Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Research, Evaluation of Gingival Pigmentation and Related Factors on Former Smokers. Accessed March 2026. https:\/\/www.ejomr.org\/JOMR\/archives\/2024\/1\/e2\/v15n1e2ht.htm. 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