Are you wondering about the brownish spots on your gums? No need to worry. Gingival hyperpigmentation, as this common condition is called, has nothing to do with your health or hygiene and may not even be noticeable to others. What’s more, it’s an entirely natural physiological reaction that can provide a few important health clues. Here’s everything you need to know about gums hyperpigmentation and what you can do if you discover yours….
Meaning Of Gum Hyperpigmentation:
A common cause of hyperpigmentation on the gums is periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition that leads to redness and a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Less often, gingival hyperpigmentation may be a response to another medical condition or medication; it’s important for your dentist to evaluate your symptoms when you’re having any kind of cosmetic concerns about your smile. With proper treatment for your underlying medical condition or a thorough home-care routine, gum hyperpigmentation should fade in time, with no need for dental treatment. An early evaluation can help you prevent any irreversible damage while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Causes:
While there is no cure for gingival hyperpigmentation, it can be treated. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, people with this condition can have their symptoms improved by treating any underlying gum disease or inflammation. Other treatment options include scaling and root planing and laser therapy. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that a combination of these treatments was successful in treating the condition.
Prevention:
Preventing gingival hyperpigmentation is a lot easier than it seems. It’s recommended that people who are susceptible to this condition brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Additionally, you should visit the dentist at least twice annually for cleanings, exams, and x-rays. And finally, using mouthwash that contains alcohol may help limit the amount of plaque on your teeth and prevent it from hardening into tartar.
Treatment:
Check with your dentist if you’re concerned about gingival hyperpigmentation. They may recommend a simple dental cleaning or professional tooth whitening, which can help remove any stains that are only on the surface of the teeth. However, they may also refer you to a periodontist for more serious cases of gum disease that could be causing dark spots in the gum tissue, as well as other oral health problems. In many cases, this type of treatment can alleviate any symptoms and restore your mouth back to its natural color.
Conclusion:
One of the most important things is that dental professionals are able to provide a diagnosis and treatment for gingival hyperpigmentation. The treatments vary from person to person but usually include scaling and root planning, or professional teeth cleaning. Another thing is that those who have gingival hyperpigmentation should be proactive about their oral health in order to prevent any potential underlying conditions from developing. This is because individuals with gingival hyperpigmentation are more susceptible to developing periodontal disease and other systemic infections. Finally, there are many treatments available for those who suffer from this condition that can reverse its effects of it fairly quickly and easily.
