Having a beautiful, attractive smile doesn’t depend only on straight, white teeth. Healthy gums with a natural pink color also play a major role in giving you the appealing smile you’re looking for.
Have you noticed a change in the color of your gums?
Have you ever wondered what causes gum discoloration?
How can dark gums be treated? What is the natural gum color? And what exactly is gum depigmentation?
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about gum depigmentation.
What Is Gum Depigmentation?
Gum depigmentation is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to:
– Lighten dark-colored gums
– Restore the natural color of the gums
– Enhance the overall appearance of your smile
What Is the Natural Color of Healthy Gums?
Gums can appear darker, redder, or pink for different reasons, but what is considered a normal gum color?
– The natural color of healthy gums is generally a coral or light pink.
– Gum color can vary slightly from person to person depending on ethnic background.
– The presence of dark spots or red patches is considered abnormal; in such cases, you should see a dentist for a gum examination.
Causes of Gum Discoloration
There are several reasons why gums may darken or become discolored, including:
– Smoking
– Increased melanin pigmentation
– Certain medications that can cause gum darkening
– Interaction of dental filling materials with gum tissue
– Some medical conditions, such as Addison’s disease, gingivitis, and oral cancer
– Genetic factors
– Poor oral hygiene and neglect of oral health
Treatment of Dark Gums
If you notice any change in the color of your gums, you should visit a dentist to have your gums examined and treated appropriately.
Main Treatment Options for Dark Gums
- Clinical examination and identifying the cause of pigmentation
Before performing gum depigmentation, the dentist will examine your gums to determine the underlying cause of the discoloration.
- Laser gum depigmentation
Laser depigmentation is considered one of the best methods for lightening dark gums due to several advantages:
– It is usually done in a single session lasting about 30–45 minutes.
– It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure and is generally painless.
- Surgical gum depigmentation
Surgical depigmentation can be performed using two main techniques:
– Scraping or removing the pigmented gum tissue
– Making an incision along the side of the gum and removing the superficial layer
- Electrosurgical gum depigmentation
Electrosurgical depigmentation is similar in concept to conventional surgical depigmentation but differs in the instruments used, where electric probes are used to create controlled surgical incisions.
Advantages of Gum Depigmentation
Gum depigmentation offers several benefits, including:
– It is a simple cosmetic procedure that is generally safe and not painful.
– The procedure does not take a long time to perform.
– It typically has no significant side effects.
Is Gum Depigmentation Permanent?
– The duration of results varies from person to person.
– In many cases, the results can last for more than 10 years.
– In smokers, the effect usually lasts for a shorter period compared with non-smokers.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Gum Depigmentation?
Gum depigmentation is not suitable in the following situations:
– People with untreated dental caries (tooth decay)
– People with active gum inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis)
– Patients with underlying diseases that cause gum pigmentation, until the primary condition is treated first
– Cases of gum recession or significantly thin gum tissue
How to Prevent Gum Pigmentation
Key tips to help prevent gum discoloration:
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day
– Use an appropriate mouthwash
– Brush your gums gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush
– Avoid smoking
– Visit your dentist regularly to monitor the health of your teeth and gums and to treat any dental problems early
Cost of Gum Depigmentation
The cost of gum depigmentation depends on several factors, including:
– The country or region
– The dental clinic
– The dentist’s experience and qualifications
– The degree and extent of gum discoloration
Dr. Fares Matouk
– Bachelor’s degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery from Al-Qalamoun University – Damascus
– Completed multiple courses in cosmetic dentistry and smile design
– 11 years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry
Areas of interest and expertise:
– All types of prosthodontic services (bridges, crowns, and porcelain veneers such as veneers and Lumineers)
– Cosmetic dental treatments (aesthetic fillings, tooth restoration, Hollywood smile)
– Comprehensive smile makeover planning, including:
– Root canal treatment
– Tooth extractions
