Gums are typically pink, but they can also be dark or black. While dark gums aren’t usually harmful, they can be a sign of gum disease and require more intensive dental care.

Fortunately, there are several natural methods for getting rid of dark gums. Brushing your teeth, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash will improve the health of your gums.

1. Oil Pulling

A healthy gum is typically pale pink, but it’s not uncommon for them to turn black. While it may sound alarming, black gums are often a result of regular hormonal changes or a minor health issue that responds well to treatment.

People of certain ethnicities are more prone to dark gums, but they can also be caused by a high concentration of melanin, which is a natural pigment that reacts to light. In addition, gums can become darker during pregnancy or as a side effect of certain medications, such as minocycline, which is used to treat acne and some infections.

Smoking is another common cause of dark gums. Over time, the chemicals in tobacco can stain the gum tissue, causing it to appear brown or black. It’s important to quit smoking to reduce the risk of gum disease, which can exacerbate discoloration.

In some cases, a blood cyst can cause dark gums. A cyst filled with blood develops when a baby or permanent tooth is coming in, which can lead to an impact injury that’s similar to simple bruising. This type of hematoma is generally harmless and will clear up as the tooth comes in, but it’s important to see a doctor if you have concerns.

Certain medical conditions can also cause gum discoloration, such as Addison’s disease and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. These disorders can cause dark spots on the skin and mucous membranes, but they generally don’t pose a serious threat to your health as long as you receive proper treatment.

Dark gums may be a sign of gum disease, which can cause symptoms like bleeding gums and bad breath. It’s important to see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment, especially if you experience other signs of the disease, such as mouth pain or swelling. Using the right oral care products, such as sage extract or aloe vera gel, can help restore your gums to their original color. In addition, it’s a good idea to practice regular oil pulling to remove any bacteria that may be causing the gum disease. Aside from these home remedies, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Black gums are a condition where the tissue around the teeth takes on a dark or blackish hue instead of the normal pink. Although it may sound alarming, there’s nothing to worry about for most people, and the color change usually results from an underlying problem that’s easy to treat. In a few cases, however, dark spots on the gums can be a sign of a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Gingivitis is the most common cause of dark gums and usually happens when plaque isn’t removed regularly. The bacteria in the plaque can irritate the gums and cause them to turn darker. In most instances, gingivitis isn’t painful or uncomfortable, but in more severe cases it can lead to bleeding and swelling in the gums. If left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss and gum disease.

Smoking is another major cause of black gums because the chemicals in cigarettes can trigger a reaction that increases melanin production. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin, hair, eyes, and gums their color. It’s produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, and it gives some races of people a natural tendency to have darker gums.

Many home remedies and treatments can help to lighten the gums, including regular drinking of green tea and laser gum depigmentation. You can also try a herbal infusion with herbs such as thyme, calamus root, and chamomile that help anesthetize sore gums, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall gum health.

If your gums are a dark shade, there’s no need to panic, but it is important to consult with a dentist or periodontist right away. They can check for the cause of your dark gums and advise you if they need to be treated right away or can wait until your next dental appointment.

There are a few things that can cause dark spots on the gums, most of which aren’t harmful or require medical attention. It’s still best to be safe than sorry and see a dentist, especially if the spot is painful or changes in size, shape, or color.

3. Vitamin C

A bright smile is a hallmark of good oral health, but sometimes your gums might turn dark instead of the usual pink. While this isn’t always a cause for concern, it can indicate an underlying medical issue. Fortunately, there are ways to lighten your gums without resorting to expensive treatments or harsh chemical bleaches.

The color of your gums is dependent on the amount of melanin in your body. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their color, and darker-colored people generally have more melanin than lighter-colored people. Dark gums can also be hereditary, so as long as they don’t hurt or bleed and aren’t accompanied by any other symptoms of disease, there’s usually no need to worry.

However, if you’re not sure whether your gums are healthy or not, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. In some cases, black spots on the gums are caused by a medical condition that needs immediate treatment. These conditions can include acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (sometimes referred to as trench mouth), which is characterized by a gray film that builds up on the gums and is accompanied by painful, bleeding gums and bad breath.

Another common cause of black gums is oral cancer, which can also produce bleeding, open sores and a change in the shape or size of moles or freckles. Oral cancer can also be spotted by the presence of a foul odor, a voice that sounds hoarse or a change in the way food tastes.

Keeping your gums healthy can help prevent them from becoming black, so make sure to brush and floss regularly. You should also eat a diet rich in calcium, vitamin C and folic acid. This can be done by adding foods such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, tofu, broccoli, oranges and strawberries to your diet. You can also use a mixture of water, white vinegar and salt to cleanse your teeth and gums, which will kill bacteria and dislodge tartar. This method is effective for getting rid of dark gums quickly and painlessly.

4. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a natural antibacterial, which means that it kills harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduces inflammation. It also helps to lighten dark gums for some people. You can find eucalyptus oil in many products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. It can also be used to make a natural whitening mouthwash at home. You can use a mixture of equal parts water and eucalyptus oil in an applicator bottle. This mixture can be applied directly to your teeth and gums for a few minutes, twice a day.

You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a glass of water and drink it. This will help to remove plaque and fight bacteria that cause tooth decay and gingivitis. It will also help to freshen your breath. You can also use a mouthwash that has eucalyptus in it to fight bacteria and improve your oral health.

Besides treating bacterial infections in the gums, eucalyptus oil can also be used to repel rats. According to a study published in the Scientific World Journal, when a mixture of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil was sprayed around an area that is prone to house rats, the rats did not enter the area. Eucalyptus oil can be used in a similar way to treat other pests, including mice and mosquitoes.

The best way to get rid of black gums is to start with a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can significantly improve your oral health. You can also try chewing gums that have eucalyptus as an ingredient, which can reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup.

If you follow these simple methods, you should see a difference in the color of your gums in a few days. Keep in mind, however, that these methods are not guaranteed to work for everyone. You may need to try other remedies, such as taking antibiotics or visiting a dentist, for more effective results. It is also important to note that these home-based treatments are supplemental and do not replace good dental care practices.