Looking in the mirror and noticing that your gums have changed colour can be a worrying experience. Whether it is a dark line underneath the gum tissue, a black spot that wasn't there before, or dark gaps appearing between your teeth, the visual change is often the first sign that prompts patients to call us.

At Pullenvale Dental, we believe in empowering you with knowledge so you don't have to guess about your oral health. While "black gums" can sometimes indicate gum disease (gingivitis), they can also be caused by harmless factors like natural pigmentation or old dental fillings. This guide will help you understand what you might be seeing and when it is time to seek professional advice.

Note: Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Is It an Emergency? Pain vs. Appearance

The first step is to distinguish between a cosmetic concern and an active infection. If your dark gums are accompanied by severe pain, a metallic taste, or rapid tissue loss, this could be a sign of Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG). This is a serious condition requiring immediate attention.

However, for most patients, dark gums are painless and develop slowly. If you are experiencing bleeding gums when brushing, it is a clear signal that inflammation is present, even if it doesn't hurt.

Scenario 1: Black Lines Under the Gumline (Black Tartar)

One of the most common causes of "black gum disease" is actually Subgingival Calculus. We all know plaque is that sticky yellow film on our teeth. But when plaque isn't removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus).

According to Wikipedia's entry on Dental Calculus, when this tartar forms below the gumline, it can absorb pigments from blood and other fluids, turning it black or dark brown. Because the gum tissue over it is translucent, this dark calculus shows through, creating the appearance of a black gumline.

Can you brush it off? Unfortunately, no. Once plaque hardens into calculus, it bonds firmly to the tooth root. It requires a professional dental clean and check-up to safely remove these deposits and allow the gum to heal.

Scenario 2: "Black Triangles" Between Teeth

Sometimes, the gums themselves aren't black, but you see dark triangular gaps between your teeth near the gumline. These are widely known as "black triangles."

These spaces occur when the gum tissue (papilla) that usually fills the space between teeth recedes. This can happen due to:

• Gum Recession: Often from brushing too hard or periodontal disease.
• Bone Loss: As the bone supporting the teeth shrinks, the gum follows it down.

While primarily a cosmetic issue for some, these gaps can trap food, leading to pain in gums between teeth. For patients concerned about the aesthetics of these gaps, we can discuss restorative options like bonding or a mini smile makeover to reduce their visibility.

Scenario 3: Isolated Dark Spots (Amalgam Tattoos)

Have you noticed a single blue, grey, or black patch on your gum, usually next to a large silver filling? This is likely an Amalgam Tattoo.

As detailed on Wikipedia, this occurs when tiny particles of silver amalgam from a filling get trapped in the soft tissue. It is essentially a harmless "tattoo" inside your mouth. It requires no treatment unless you want it removed for cosmetic reasons. However, any new changing spot in your mouth should always be checked by a dentist to rule out other conditions.

Quick Guide: Decoding Your Dark Gums

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before your visit to Pullenvale Dental, ask yourself these questions to help us understand your situation better:

How We Manage Gum Health at Pullenvale Dental

We understand that dental anxiety is real, especially when you are worried about potential gum disease. Our approach is gentle and focused on long-term health.

For patients with deep subgingival calculus (black tartar), a standard clean might not be enough. We may recommend a deep clean (root planing) to smooth the root surfaces and remove bacterial toxins. For patients who are particularly anxious about this process, we offer dental under general anaesthesia or sleep dentistry options to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

Don't let worry sit in the back of your mind. If you are concerned about changes in your gums, please contact us to book your assessment.