Are Dark Gums In Child Dangerous? (8 Common Causes)

2021-10-25 0 By Karen Smith

Contents

1 Discolored Gums
2 Conclusion
- - 2.0.1 References:

The natural color of gums is pink. So, noticing dark gums in a child or dark spots in gums can be frightening. Numerous things may cause this, and most of them are not dangerous. You can talk to a doctor or dentist if you are in need of professional help to ensure that the dark-colored gums do not pose a threat. In fact, it is better to be safe than to be sorry. Read on to understand the most common reason for dark gums in children to determine if they need immediate dental care treatment.

Discolored Gums

The gums can indicate the condition of the mouth, especially the overall health. In fact, there are many reasons for children to have a dark spot on their gums. Commonly these include:

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)

Also called trench mouth, this is a painful infection of the gums. Sometimes, it is referred to as black gum disease since it is an infection that results in black or grey gums if a layer of dead tissue increases over the gums. It can also cause painful gums, fever, and foul-smelling breath.

In some cases, the diagnosis is evident from the appearance of the gums and mouth. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and mouth rinses to address this condition. Furthermore, treatment for acute necrotizing begins with a gentle, thorough, professional dental cleaning done over several days.

Bruises

Just like other parts of your body, your gums can encounter some injuries. Eating chips with sharp edges, falling on your face, or even brushing or flossing your teeth too hard can injure your gums. These bruises can make your gums dark red or purple, yet they can also be dark brown or black. You may also experience pain and some minor bleeding in your gums.

Typically, a bruise heals alone without medical treatment. If you begin having more bruises, it is essential to talk with your doctor to find the proper treatment.

Eruption Hematoma

Eruption hematomas are very common in children as both their baby teeth and permanent teeth emerge. Tooth development can create a cyst filled with fluid. This condition happens when the eruption cyst gets injured by a fall or bump, causing blood inside the cyst. They usually disappear all alone after the tooth comes in. If the tooth does not erupt on its own, you can go to BoonDental.com.au to address your concern and get the treatment you need. Usually, in this case, it involves surgically opening the cyst to allow the tooth through.

Amalgam Tattoos

Another cause of a dark spot is a deposit of amalgam that might be left on your gums if you previously had a cavity filled. In some cases, these particles become held up near the filling, causing discoloration in the gum tissue. Your doctor or dentist can generally diagnose an amalgam spot just by looking at it.

Though amalgam tattoos are not removable, they are harmless and do not need treatment. However, you can prevent them by asking your dentist to utilize an elastic dam when you get a filling.

Blue nevus

Blue nevi can appear either black or blue and generally resemble a spot on your gums. In fact, they are a harmless mole that is either flat or slightly raised.

Like amalgam tattoos, a blue nevus requires treatment, and a doctor can typically diagnose it by simply looking at it. Nevertheless, if the color, shape, or size begins to change, your doctor may do a biopsy to test it for cancer.

Oral Melanoacanthoma

This rare condition makes dark patches develop in various areas of the mouth, including the gums. These patches are harmless and will, in general, occur in younger individuals.

The reason for this condition is not apparent. However, it appears to be related to injuries caused by biting or friction in the mouth. Most of the time, oral melanoacanthoma does not need treatment.

Melanin

Most instances of dark gums in youngsters are because of a dominance of melanin in the body. These cases are usually heredity, like having different skin and hair colors. To sum up, the more melanin you have, the darker your hair, skin, and possibly gum tissue will be.

Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer can likewise cause black gums. Other symptoms of cancer in the mouth include unusual bleeding, open sores, mouth swelling, and chronic sore throat.

A regular visit to your dentist can help detect oral cancer early. They may do a biopsy test and other imaging techniques, like a CT scan or PET scan, to determine if cancer has spread. Usually, treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Dark gums in children can be hereditary or may indicate an underlying condition.

Remind them that it is totally normal to have dark gums, similarly as it is entirely ordinary to have dark hair or skin.

In addition, regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings can help detect any oral health issues early. This also helps prevent or stop the disease from worsening or happening again.