Black spot on the gum of a child

Causes

If the patient has black or dark blue affected areas, this indicates the presence of a hematoma.

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Maria Konstantinovna Tevs
October 2, 2020

Hematomas occur in people of any age, and they are caused by various reasons. In adults, swelling can be caused by trauma to the gum tissue, and in children under one year old, dark spots often appear during the eruption of baby teeth.

In addition, such spots often appear in those who smoke a lot for a long time. In smokers, the presence of dark spots on the gums indicates the development of melanoma. Melanosis is a disease that provokes melanoma - a change in the color of the mucous membranes. Gradually, the dot or small spot increases in size and reaches 1 cm in diameter.

Discoloration of the gums is due to the fact that pathological processes occurring in the body of a smoker contribute to the accumulation of melanin. Patients who have been diagnosed with melanosis are at risk because melanoma can develop into a malignant tumor and cause irreversible changes in the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Another common cause of dark spots on the gums is improper dentures. If a patient wears an unsuitable denture, the blood supply to the soft tissues is disrupted, prolonged blood stagnation occurs, and the oral cavity swells.

As a result of insufficient oxygen supply to the soft tissues, a change in the color of the gums occurs: areas colored black or dark blue appear on it.

In addition, spots on the gums appear as a result of an inflammatory process caused by pathogenic bacteria living in the soft tissues of the oral cavity. In this case, the patient is concerned not only about the change in color, there are also other complaints: pain, swelling. If the inflammatory process is not treated, the disease continues to develop and the dark spot increases in size.

Darkening of the gums around the tooth

As you age, your gums may become darker in color due to natural reasons. But at a young age, darkening indicates problems. The appearance of a brown or purple hue indicates the need for professional medical attention.

Brown tartar deposits are hardened plaque, saliva, and calcified mineral deposits from water and food.

When these deposits grow on or below the gum line, dark brown spots appear around the tooth. Daily oral hygiene helps avoid this. Someone who thinks they have tartar.

should contact your dentist immediately.

It is important! A brown or blue-black spot on the gum may indicate that oral malignant melanoma, a dangerous type of cancer, is developing. There may also be red, purple, or gray spots nearby. Fortunately, oral melanoma is very rare.

Spots as symptoms of the disease

If a patient complains that the gums have partially changed color to a darker color, this may indicate the following diseases:

Gingivitis. This is a complex inflammatory process that occurs in the soft tissues of the oral cavity. In this case, the attachment of the tooth to the gum is not affected, but the soft tissues around the tooth become inflamed, hence the discoloration.
Malignant tumor. First of all, the risk group includes smokers and patients with relatives who are cancer patients.
Hormonal disbalance. Due to an excess or deficiency of certain hormones, the soft tissue of the gums becomes looser and may partially change color. This is often observed in women during menopause and during menstruation.
Endocrine pathologies. Dark gum color is typical for patients suffering from diabetes and other endocrine pathologies. Diabetics have weak immunity, which is why they often experience low-grade inflammatory processes, including in the oral cavity.
Avitaminosis. A lack or, conversely, an excess of certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients often causes darkening of the gums. Spots may also appear in those who work with chemicals and in patients taking certain medications.

In each specific case, dark spots can be caused by different reasons. Therefore, if a patient notices darkening of the gums, it is necessary to consult a doctor. If the change in color is accompanied by pain, swelling, and other unpleasant symptoms and conditions, contacting him cannot be delayed!

The doctor will diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment. Patients who are at risk should be especially attentive to the condition of their gums: elderly people, women during pregnancy and menopause, heavy smokers, diabetics.

Also, spots on the gums may appear in those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. In the first case, darkening occurs because an inflammatory process is constantly occurring in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the second case, disruption of the heart leads to a deterioration in the blood supply to soft tissues. Blood flows in insufficient quantities, and therefore areas appear on the gums that suffer from oxygen starvation. They are the ones that are painted dark.

Why a black spot may appear on the gum

The oral mucosa is penetrated by small blood vessels.
Damage to one of them leads to the formation of a bruise, which appears as darkening on the gum. This can be caused by both external factors that do not cause much concern, as well as internal ones that indicate the presence of a serious disease.

Factors that provoke the appearance of black spots include:

installation of a low-quality prosthesis, causing complications in the form of bleeding;
mechanical damage from a hard toothbrush, the edge of a tooth, rough food (crackers, nuts);
using low-quality toothpaste or mouthwash;
presence of tartar;
smoking;
decreased immunity as a result of vitamin deficiency;
a consequence of filling a tooth using a special substance – amalgam, which results in amalgam stains.

The appearance of black spots on the gums may be a sign of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This is a hereditary disease characterized by the formation of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually the pathology is diagnosed in childhood. As the patient grows older, black dots begin to appear on the surface of the lips and gums.

Addison's disease, caused by dysfunction of the adrenal glands, also causes brownish spots on the gums. Both diseases are quite rare, but can provoke the development of oncology of internal organs.

In addition, gum damage can be caused by dental problems: caries, stomatitis. Advanced caries destroys the tooth, leading to rotting of the periodontal tissues and damage to the mucous membrane. With stomatitis, the lesion also affects the mucous membrane, resulting in the formation of whitish ulcers. Severe inflammation causes subcutaneous bleeding, turning the ulcers dark.

Ignoring the formation of blackheads can lead to the development of necrosis. Gradually, small dots can turn into a large dark spot covering the gums. As a result of necrosis, the jaw is deformed and the functionality of the entire dentition is impaired.

The disease is often accompanied by pain and bad breath. Sometimes when brushing your teeth, your gums start to bleed. As the pathology develops, the temperature may rise and difficulties may arise when eating solid foods.

Since at the last stage of tissue and gum necrosis it is impossible to restore, by contacting a specialist in a timely manner, more serious problems can be prevented.

How to make the correct diagnosis

In order to find out what causes darkening of the gums, the patient should consult a physician. The therapist examines the patient, listens to current complaints, studies the medical history and refers to specialists, depending on the results of the examination.

A patient with a complaint of darkening of the gums can be referred to a dentist, endocrinologist, or gastroenterologist. It all depends on the specific clinical case. A specialist conducts further diagnosis of the disease.

It is necessary to understand that dark spots on the gums are not an independent disease, but a symptom that can be characteristic of a number of pathologies. Therefore, if a patient complains of darkened areas, but has healthy teeth and does not feel pain, first of all consult a local general practitioner.

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If the patient does not have a history of general diseases, but has untreated teeth, and darkening of the gums is accompanied by swelling and pain, it is necessary to visit a dentist. At the initial appointment, the specialist will listen to complaints, examine the oral cavity and make a preliminary diagnosis.

To clarify the diagnosis, both the therapist and the dentist may prescribe additional examinations:

blood and urine tests
analysis for tumor markers (if the patient is at risk);
tests for the presence or absence of certain types of hormones (in diabetics and women during menopause);
scraping from the oral cavity to examine soft tissues.

Also, methods such as MRI and ultrasound of the oral cavity can be used to clarify the diagnosis.

Treatment of a black spot on the gum

Immediately after clarifying the reasons for the appearance of a black spot on the gum, the dentist can prescribe the appropriate treatment to the patient. Regardless of the reasons for the development of the pathology, the specialist’s task is to stop the destructive processes and save the mucous membranes from contamination by decay products. If the area of dead tissue is large, it is removed under anesthesia, cleaning the periodontium.

As preventive measures to avoid recurrence of the situation or further treatment, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:

Rinse with antibacterial solutions to destroy all dangerous germs.
Applying a compress with ointments that promote wound healing after removal of necrotic tissue.
Taking antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs.

After removing a blackhead on the gum, special attention should be paid to proper hygiene procedures. If the patient complains of pain while eating and drinking, compresses with lidocaine may be prescribed as anesthesia.

If a patient complains about the formation of a black spot on the gum in a timely manner, dentists give a positive prognosis for recovery and complete restoration of the mucous membrane. Any changes in the color of the gums and mouth should cause a person to seek answers from qualified medical professionals.

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How to treat

In each specific case of dark spots on the gums, there is its own tactics. Sometimes darkening does not require treatment and goes away on its own. In cases where the patient does not experience discomfort in the oral cavity, and examination by a therapist and dentist does not reveal any pathologies, dark spots do not require therapy.

Most likely, the reason for their appearance is a lack of vitamins and minerals. It is enough to adjust your usual diet, enrich your food with useful substances, and the darkened areas will gradually disappear.

If the cause of stains is improper dentures, the patient should immediately stop using dentures. Otherwise, there is a high risk of serious circulatory problems in the soft tissues of the gums.

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If a doctor has diagnosed melanosis in a patient, it is necessary to stop smoking as soon as possible and be regularly monitored by an oncologist so as not to miss the degeneration of melanoma into a malignant tumor.

If the dark spots are caused by a general disease (diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular pathology), it is necessary to follow all the doctor’s recommendations related to the underlying disease, and also take immunomodulatory drugs as prescribed by doctors to strengthen the immune system and prevent low-grade inflammatory diseases. processes).

If dark spots on the gums are detected in a woman during pregnancy or menopause, you should consult an endocrinologist. In this case, soft tissue damage can be caused not only by hormonal imbalance, but also by taking certain oral contraceptives.

Prevention

As mentioned above, the source of its appearance can be smoking and frequent consumption of strong tea, coffee and other coloring drinks and foods. In this case, the prevention of the appearance of such plaque will be to refuse them. After all, plaque is not only an aesthetic defect, but also a source of pathogenic bacteria, as well as a fertile environment for their reproduction.

If you still cannot give up bad habits, diversify your diet with solid foods, especially high-fiber vegetables.

Chewing them promotes daily natural cleaning of the enamel.

At the same time, you should not refuse regular visits to the dental office, even if, upon a superficial examination in the mirror, it seems to you that everything is fine with your teeth.

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Of course, timely and proper dental care is also a means of preventing the appearance of black plaque. Thus, the use of medicated fluoride-containing toothpastes, the use of dental floss and rinses can reduce the risk of plaque significantly.

Treatment options

Treatment involves the use of various medications, rinses and ointments for the gums. For example, at the initial stage of development of the process, it will be necessary to rinse the oral cavity with Rotokan.

We are talking about an alcohol elixir based on herbs, after using which problem areas and even parts of the tooth are treated with Metrogyl Denta ointment. The restorative course is determined by the dentist depending on the specific situation, sometimes it takes a month or even more.

With weakened gums and installed crowns, it is strongly recommended to constantly maintain oral hygiene. If even minimal symptoms appear, which begin with a change in the shade of the gums, you will need to immediately start using therapeutic and preventive rinses.

I would like to note that the black speck can be removed using the following methods:

the use of Chlorhexidine - an antiseptic, which is used as a disinfectant component;
this product must be used with extreme caution, in particular, in order not to “earn” a burn to the taste buds of the tongue;
the Chlorhexidine solution will need to be diluted with water in a ratio of one to one and rinsed the cavity for two to three minutes;
It is not recommended to use it more than twice within 24 hours.

To combat blackheads, the dentist at the last stage of stomatitis prescribes the following treatment algorithm: in the evening (before going to bed), you will need to rinse your mouth with Chlorhexidine diluted with water. After 30 minutes, the gums are treated with an ointment called Metrogyl Denta. The next rinse must be done after lunch.

Important! To consolidate the result and speed up treatment, you can introduce a third rinse three hours before the evening rinse. However, it is very important to control the body’s reactions to this and, if pain or discomfort appears, the third application is abandoned.

Another effective remedy is applications with Vinilin (an antiseptic solution that is used to treat wounds and ulcers). In order to prepare such a compress, you will need to treat a cotton swab with this preparation and apply it to the sore spot for 20 minutes.

If treatment needs to be started as early as possible, then Vinilin can be immediately applied to the affected gum. Preventive measures deserve special attention, because, as you know, any problem can be solved faster and easier at the initial stage of its development.

Dark spots can be removed using laser correction. The method helps restore soft tissue. Laser light has an antiseptic effect and helps relieve symptoms of inflammation.

Laser treatment can only be used after consultation with a specialist. If the dental cause of gum blackening cannot be identified, tissue is removed for histological diagnosis. It is necessary to exclude malignant degeneration of cells.

You can trust the laser correction procedure only to a highly qualified specialist.

Improper operation can lead to burns and other undesirable effects.

Traditional medicine will help relieve inflammation of the gums and remove black spots. They are available to everyone. You can use a folk remedy only if you are not allergic to the components.

Popular folk remedies for sore gums and teeth:

Herbs (mint, lemon balm, sage, oregano). The decoction for rinsing is simple to prepare. One tablespoon of herb is poured into 1 liter of water, brewed in a water bath for 15-20 minutes, and allowed to cool at room temperature. Rinse your mouth with the decoction 2-3 times a day.
Aloe. If the gum is very inflamed and swollen, you need to apply an aloe leaf to it, pulp side down. You can keep the product for a long time, 1-1.5 hours. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.
Soda. Baking soda is a universal antiseptic for rinsing the mouth. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and stir until completely dissolved. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with the solution in the morning, after lunch and in the evening.

If the gums are blackened due to injury, cold compresses will help relieve pain and swelling. Ice should be applied to the cheek in the area of the sore spot for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. After an injury, you can only eat soft and cool foods so as not to create additional stress on the gums.

The area between the mucous membrane and the neck of the tooth is highly sensitive, so any dental procedures are performed only under local anesthesia. After an examination and a series of diagnostic tests, the dentist determines the stage and decides how to save the crown from destruction. If the patient comes in at an early stage of the stain, the enamel is saturated with minerals and vitamins:

Plaque and remaining tartar are carefully removed from the surface.
Special applications are applied to the damaged area, which contain calcium, fluorine, B vitamins and other organic compounds (Belagel or Fluoroden).
The enamel is further strengthened with ultraviolet radiation.

In case of pronounced defects, the top layer must be removed by grinding. The exposed dentin is treated several times with antiseptics and fluoride-based solutions. The treatment ends with the installation of a filling. The dentist tries to select a material that will not be noticeable on the front teeth, trying to match the shade of the enamel as much as possible. Photopolymerization gives an excellent effect, which holds well due to its abrasive properties.

At home, the patient should brush his teeth with a special paste with minerals. During the first days, the mouth should be rinsed with antiseptics to avoid gum inflammation. Miramistin or Chlorhexidine is used. It is better to avoid using herbal infusions: they can stain the polished part of the tooth and change the tone of the enamel.

Depending on the depth of the lesion, the appropriate treatment tactics are selected.

Home treatment of cervical caries can be carried out as an addition to the treatment of caries in the spot stage. The following applies:

toothpastes and gels containing high concentrations of fluorides, as well as calcium and phosphorus compounds;
dental floss (floss) impregnated with fluoride;
rinses, again, with fluorides (since it is this element that very effectively promotes the mineralization of tooth enamel).

Using fluoride-containing complexes on your own without first consulting a dentist can be hazardous to your health. Any prescription of drugs or additional funds is based on the diagnosis, the activity of the carious process, the area of the lesion, long-term results and possible risks.

If a black spot on the gum is caused by necrosis, the dentist’s task is to stop the inflammation and save the mucous membrane from infection with decay products. The dying tissues are carefully removed under anesthesia, the periodontal tissue is cleaned of fluid and treatment is prescribed at home:

Rinse with Chlorhexidine several times a day to kill bacteria and germs.
Compresses with wound healing ointment Levomekol. A small amount of the product is applied to a cotton swab and left on the gum.
Applications with Chymotrypsin. The drug stops suppuration and helps reduce wounds.
Treatment with Metronidazole. It must be purchased in tablets, which the patient takes 250 mg orally per day and externally. To do this, it is crushed into powder and applied in a thin layer to the affected gum tissue.

With necrosis, it is painful for a person to eat. Exposed tooth roots react sharply to any change in temperature, hot tea and even cool air outside. Therefore, dentists advise dripping Lidocaine onto a cotton swab and applying it to the inflamed area. You can find a spray with this pain-relieving component at the pharmacy and carry it in your bag with you to work or school.

People often delay visiting the dentist and engage in ineffective self-medication. Therefore, the doctor has to remove large areas of soft tissue and expose the roots of the teeth. In order for the gums to actively grow and the defect to become invisible, dental Solcoseryl must be applied for several weeks. If the wound is too large, cosmetic surgery is performed to suturing it and covering it with pieces of mucous membrane.

During treatment, it is important to maintain oral hygiene and use only medicated toothpastes. Food should be soft and ground, not irritate the mucous membrane with a large number of spices. Gum necrosis is a complex pathology, the consequences of which can last a lifetime. The best prevention is the timely elimination of periodontal disease or stomatitis, installation of fillings on damaged teeth and regular visits to your doctor.

For treatment, rinses and ointments are used. When a black dot appears on the gum, the dentist may recommend rinsing with Rotokan. This is an alcohol tincture with extracts of medicinal herbs. After rinsing, the affected areas are lubricated with Metrogyl Denta ointment. The course of therapy for each patient is selected individually. Sometimes treatment lasts a month or more.

When the periodontium is weakened and the patient wears crowns, it is important to be attentive to oral hygiene. If the mucous membrane changes color, medicinal rinses are immediately added. You can get rid of a black spot on the gum with Chlorhexidine. It is an antiseptic with disinfectant properties. To avoid burns, dilute the solution according to the instructions; it is mixed with water 1:2.

Procedure time – 3 minutes in the morning, in the evening, no more! The therapy will be complex: before going to bed, rinse your mouth with Chlorhexidine, then apply Metrogyl Denta ointment, then repeat in the morning. The third time can be administered, but is not recommended so as not to cause negative reactions in the body.

Applications with Vinilin give a good effect. This is an antiseptic solution used to treat ulcers and wounds. Soak gauze in the solution and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes.

Other ways to get rid of dark spots on periodontal tissue:

oregano, sage, lemon balm. Any of the plants is brewed at the rate of 2 tbsp. for 1 liter of boiling water. For greater effect, medicinal plants can be combined. You need to rinse your mouth with the broth several times (after each meal);
Brew equal parts of calamus root, thyme, St. John's wort, and chamomile. This collection quickly relieves inflammation. If you need to eliminate 1 spot, you can make applications/compresses - moisten a piece of folded gauze in the broth, apply to the spot on the mucous membrane for 10-20 minutes;
Apply an aloe leaf to the darkened area, peeling off the shell. Sometimes it is recommended to chew a leaf of a fresh plant, but not everyone likes its taste;
soda solution - take 1 tsp for 1 glass of water. soda To enhance the therapeutic effect, add salt and sage decoction;
Infectious lesions of the gums are treated by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide;
sea salt is used to prepare the solution. They rinse the mouth with it and rub it into the mucous membrane;
oak bark relieves inflammation, eliminates odors and stains. The method for preparing the decoction is indicated on the pharmaceutical packaging.

Not all cases of dark spots on the gums are serious, but they can cause emotional distress. If the underlying cause is a health problem, then treating the condition is the best way to get rid of the spots.

Brushing your teeth twice a day

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to protect not only your teeth, but also your gums. When brushing your teeth, make sure you don't use highly abrasive toothpaste or harsh mouthwash, which can harm your gums.

Make it a habit to brush your teeth after eating, this will prevent tartar from building up between your teeth and under your gums.

Dental floss

Flossing is another important way to protect your teeth and gums from germs that is neglected in our country. If you used it for the first time, and your gums began to bleed, this is normal and does not mean that you should not do it again. It is recommended to floss at least twice a day to keep your gums clean, strong and healthy.

Professional teeth cleaning

This is an important procedure performed by the dentist to treat and prevent diseases of the gums and other periodontal tissues. Often this procedure is required because a person has not had regular professional teeth cleaning for a long time.

This cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums. Deep cleaning of teeth can be performed using ultrasound or power tools.

Green tea

Green tea can help get rid of dark spots. Everyone knows that it is rich in antioxidants. But not everyone knows that it helps treat numerous oral diseases, including darkening of the gums, gum inflammation and bacterial infections.

Try drinking a cup of green tea every morning to help your gums become stronger and healthier.

Sesame oil

Sesame oil is another natural toxin remover. When used on dark areas of the gums, sesame oil can help reduce plaque buildup as well as strengthen the tissue.

Rinse your mouth several times a day using ¼ cup of sesame oil
To make the method even more effective, you can slightly heat the oil

Coconut oil

In addition to treating infected gums, using coconut oil can help treat a common problem such as gums receding from teeth.

The use of this product on the gums creates a protective layer against bacterial infections. You can rinse or rub oil into the periodontal tissue.

Black streaks on teeth, which can cause them to appear

When tooth enamel (although the reason is not necessarily localized in the enamel) changes its color, this is not only a significant problem, but often also a warning about health problems in other organs and systems. Changes in the color of teeth can occur for a variety of reasons - diseases of other organs and systems, diseases of the teeth themselves, and even taking a number of pharmacological drugs can contribute to the occurrence of this cosmetic defect. Moreover, in some cases, the appearance of dark plaque with further development can cause significant damage to the teeth, while in others, black spots or plaque are purely a cosmetic defect.