Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva occur in all races. Melanin, a brown pigment, is the most common cause of endogenous pigmentation of gingiva and is the most predominant pigmentation of mucosa. Gingival hyperpigmentation is seen as a genetic trait in some populations and is more appropriately termed physiologic or racial gingival pigmentation.
Melanin hyperpigmentation usually does not present as a medical problem, but patients may complain their black gums are unaesthetic. This problem is aggravated in patients with a “gummy smile” or excessive gingival display while smiling. The range of darkening effects can be spotted or splotchy (light and dark brown)… all the way to nearly 100% of the gum tissues. Black gums usually refers to the condition where all or most gum tissue is affected, with a complete brown appearance.
