Darkening of the gums in children and changing their color may cause concern for parents, so many of them ask about the cause of darkening of the gums in children, out of a desire to see a beautiful, healthy smile on their children’s faces. Any change in the color or shape of the mouth is usually associated with diseases, either organic, or the practice of bad habits. Therefore, through this article, we will learn about the causes of darkening of the gums in children, its symptoms, and appropriate treatment methods, in addition to tips for preventing darkening of the mouth.

What is dark gums in children?

Darkening of the gums in children is a common condition that affects many children. It includes changes in the color of the gums, either accompanied by some symptoms because it is a disease, or without symptoms and is considered a normal condition, just like a change in skin color. Parents become increasingly concerned when they see their children’s gums being black, and some of them begin to search for the cause of the darkening of the gums in children to begin treatment.

The cause of dark gums in infants

Genetic factors are the cause of darkening of the gums in infants. The teething stage may also cause the gums to darken and change color as the baby teeth approach. In some cases, the infant may experience bleeding as the gum color changes to black, which requires going immediately to the dentist to find out the cause of the bleeding.

Causes of dark gums in children

We now learn about the most important causes of dark gums in children, and the factors that help this condition appear and spread among children:

1. Genetic factors

Some children are born with a visible darkening of the gums as a result of some genetic genes that affect skin color and thus the color of the gums. This condition is widespread in children with dark skin.

2. Gum infections

The accumulation of severe bacteria on the teeth and gums due to eating foods that contain a lot of sugars without paying attention to oral hygiene may lead to the appearance of recurrent gum infections in children, which leads to their color changing to brown and then to black, and over time it becomes the dominant color of the gums.

3. Poor oral hygiene

Lack of attention to oral hygiene may lead to the accumulation of bacteria on the gums over time and the appearance of plaque or tartar, which subsequently causes the gums to appear dark.

4. Increased gum pigmentation

Increased gum pigmentation or hypermelanin secretion is the cause of darkening of the gums in children. It occurs as a result of the concentration of melanin in certain areas, which affects the color of the skin and gums as well. It is a common condition and not a worry at all.

5. Some medications

There are some medications, such as the antibiotic Minocycline, that may cause severe changes in L5.

6. The child’s diet

Some children become accustomed to a specific diet that contains certain drinks or foods that give a black color to the gums, especially when consumed daily or for long periods, such as licorice and dark soft drinks.

7. Lack of vitamins and minerals

Vitamin and mineral deficiency is the cause of darkening of the gums in children, especially vitamin C deficiency and iron deficiency. It affects the color of the gums over time and leads to their darkening. In addition, vitamin C deficiency may cause bleeding with darkening.

Read also: What is the cause of dark gums in children?

Symptoms of dark gums in children

Darkening of the gums in children may be accompanied by some symptoms, especially if the cause of the darkening of the gums in children is recurrent infections and the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, so we will learn together below the most important symptoms of darkening of the gums in children:

• Dark spots appear in specific areas on the gums.
• The color of the gums changes from time to time from gray to brown to black.
• Swelling and puffiness of the gums as a result of repeated inflammation, which changes the color of the gums from red to black.
• In some cases, you may suffer from severe gum pain and sensitivity to some types of food and drink.
• Bad odor in the mouth that does not go away even with brushing the teeth, which suggests the presence of a bacterial infection.

Preventing gum darkening in children

Knowing the cause of dark gums in children helps parents not only in choosing the appropriate treatment method, but also in following ways to prevent gum darkening in children to avoid developing this condition later, which include:

• Maintain oral hygiene and brush your teeth 3 times a day using a soft toothbrush designed for children.
• Paying attention to healthy nutrition for the child, especially one that contains vitamin C, which is necessary to maintain healthy teeth.
• Prevent the child from practicing some bad habits, such as thumb sucking and putting unclean toys in the mouth.
• Perform tests that show the level of iron in the blood periodically so that the problem is detected early.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months to check the health of your gums and teeth.
• Drink plenty of water, especially after eating, to remove food residue and bacteria.

The medical team at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides you with many important tips and instructions that will help you prevent darkening of the gums in children and preserve your child’s innocent smile.

Book your consultation now at Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Treating dark gums in children

The doctor usually begins treating dark gums in children after conducting an examination, a complete diagnosis of the condition, and after conducting some necessary medical tests. If genetic genes are the cause of dark gums in children, there is no appropriate treatment. As for other causes, there are methods of treatment, which are:

Paying attention to oral hygiene

The specialist doctors at Al Mousa Hospital advise you to pay attention to oral hygiene, brush your teeth 3 times a day with a soft brush designed for children, and use a toothpaste with an appropriate percentage of fluoride.

Teeth and gums treatment

In the case of plaque accumulation and gingivitis, the gums are treated with some medications and mouthwash intended for children, in addition to a professional cleaning done to remove the plaque by the doctor.

Diet change

You must make a comprehensive change in your eating system by avoiding foods that contain a high percentage of sugars and soft drinks.

Stop taking some medications

If medications are the cause of dark gums in children, the use of these medications must be stopped immediately so that the condition does not worsen.

Take nutritional supplements

In the case of dark gums due to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, doctors advise taking nutritional supplements that contain vitamin C and iron, in addition to foods rich in these elements.

Frequently asked questions

We receive many frequently asked questions regarding the cause of dark gums in children. We mention them below and answer them in detail:

Is dark gums in children dangerous?

No, darkening of the gums in children is usually not a serious matter. As we mentioned, it is caused by infections or injury in the mouth, and it could be normal pigmentation, but if severe swelling appears accompanied by pain, please visit a doctor immediately.

What is the best mouthwash for children?

The best mouthwash for children is chosen based on many factors, such as that the mouthwash is free of alcohol, contains fluoride, has a mild flavor so that the child can accept it, and is used under the supervision of a dentist.

In conclusion... do not forget to consult a dentist to find out the cause of dark gums in children so that you can begin the appropriate treatment method provided to you by the specialized medical team at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital after making the necessary diagnosis for your child. Do not worry, there is an integrated team that can help you at any time.

Medical references 

Gum disease – nhs