What does “Gingival pigmentation” mean?
Gingival pigmentation describes brown, black or other dark colouring of gum tissue. It can reflect normal variation in melanin or changes associated with factors such as smoking; colour alone does not diagnose disease.
Natural gum colour varies between people
Melanin contributes to gum colour. An even colour that has remained similar since childhood, without other symptoms, may be normal variation. Healthy gums do not all have to be the same shade of pink.
New changes are assessed with the history
Smoking can increase gum pigmentation, and medicines or particles of dental materials may also be associated with colour changes. Some systemic conditions and other lesions can cause changes too, so black colouring alone does not establish smoker’s melanosis. Report medicines during assessment rather than stopping them yourself.
New or changing areas need examination
A newly darkened area or a change in size or shape calls for assessment of its cause. Further tests or a biopsy may be considered when needed. Normal colour variation is not a disease that must be removed; even when lightening is being considered, the cause should be assessed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dark gums always mean gum disease?
No. Normal melanin-related colour variation also occurs. However, new spots, changes, bleeding or swelling should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal based on colour alone.
Will scaling remove pigmentation too?
Scaling removes tartar; it is not a treatment for removing melanin from gum tissue. The appropriate care depends on distinguishing dark deposits or surface stains from pigment within the tissue.
Questions when assessing changes in gum colour
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Has this colour been stable for a long time, or is it new or changing?
Explanation and evidenceThe timing and pattern help distinguish normal variation from areas needing further assessment.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center · Causes of dark gums - A choice suited to your condition
Has the cause been established before considering pigment removal?
Explanation and evidenceNatural colour, smoking, medicines, dental materials and other lesions should be distinguished before deciding on observation or treatment.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center · Causes of dark gums
