Disturb Self-Confidence, These are 6 Causes of Black Gums Due to Habits - Disease

Kapanlagi.com - Gums are one of the important parts in our mouth. Just like teeth, tongue, or other parts of the body inside the mouth, gums also often have various problems. One of the common problems is black gums. Although it is common, not many people know what causes black gums. In fact, black gums can be caused by various factors.

It could be that the cause of black gums is our daily habits. Or it could be a disease that needs to be treated immediately. Meaning, it is important to know the causes so that we can take preventive measures. In addition, black gums should be addressed immediately. Because even though it does not cause pain, black gums can disrupt a person's self-confidence.

Summarized from various sources, here are some causes of black gums.

1. Smoking

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Not only does smoking have negative effects on respiratory health, but it can also disrupt appearance. Smoking is often said to cause dark lips. However, that is not the only negative impact. Smoking can also be one of the causes of black gums.

According to medicalnewstoday.com, black gums caused by smoking are known as smoker's melanosis. This is caused by the nicotine content in tobacco, which causes melanocytes to produce more melanin than usual. As a result, the color changes to a darker shade in the mouth, including the cheeks, lower lips, and gums.

2. Medication Effects

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As we know, besides treating illnesses, medications often have certain side effects on health. For example, minocycline, which is commonly used to treat acne and infections. This chemical medication can cause color changes in organs in the mouth, such as the gums.

Therefore, it is advisable to make sure that your medications or facial and skincare products do not contain this substance. This will help you avoid the risk of black gums. Besides minocycline, there are several other types of medications that have similar reactions. So, it is worth consulting with a doctor about the type of medication before consuming it.

3. Metal Exposure

The next cause of black gums is metal exposure. According to klikdokter.com, several types of metals such as tin, mercury, silver, arsenic, and gold can cause the gums to become black. Although the chances are small, these metals can actually enter our body through food, drinks, medications, or other products such as paint or cosmetics.

Still from klikdokter.com, black gums caused by metal exposure are usually characterized by the appearance of bluish black lines along the gums. If this happens, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately. If left untreated, it can potentially cause serious health problems, such as metal poisoning.

4. Addison's Disease or Syndrome

Disease or Addison's syndrome may still be unfamiliar to the general public. This disease generally occurs due to a disrupted immune system caused by a disrupted adrenal gland. According to medicalnewstoday.com, this disease has several symptoms, one of which is darkened lips and gums.

In addition, there are other symptoms such as fatigue, excessive thirst, weight loss, loss of appetite, and weakened body muscles. So if you experience blackened gums accompanied by these symptoms, it is not wrong to immediately consult a doctor.

5. Bruises

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Unconsciously, we often injure our gums until they become bruised. When bruised, the gums will turn dark red, purple, or black. Bruises on the gums can be caused by various factors such as brushing teeth too hard, impact or friction with sharp-textured foods. Even, it can also be caused by falling or accidents. But don't worry, bruises on the gums generally heal on their own.

6. Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Black gums can also be a sign of serious health problems, such as oral cancer. Reported from healthline.com, the cause of black gums due to cancer is usually accompanied by swelling, the appearance of open sores, and bleeding.

However, a specific biopsy test is still needed to determine it precisely. To not worsen this condition, it is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol and quit smoking. This is because consuming alcohol and tobacco in large quantities can increase the risk factors for oral cancer.

Those are some causes of black gums. So, avoid the causes that have become a habit. In addition, do not hesitate to undergo an examination if your black gums do not heal. Hopefully, this is useful!

(kpl/psp)