Racial pigmentation, ethnic pigmentation, and multifocal pigmentation in the gums and oral mucus membranes are not health threats. However, many people feel that darkly pigmented gums limit the self-confidence afforded by a bright white smile. For this reason, procedures such as tooth bleaching have been in high demand amongst ethnic communities wanting to lighten their teeth as well as other individuals who do not find darker skin in their mouth aesthetically pleasing. But what exactly causes these darker areas? And how can these discolorations be treated so they are less apparent? Does treatment even work?
Introduction:
We live in a society where a healthy smile is considered to be one of most appealing traits. But what is normal and what isn’t? Racial pigmentation, ethnic pigmentation, and multifocal pigmentation in gums or oral mucus membranes are not health hazards but many people feel that darkly pigmented gums limit their self-confidence. Do you have worries about how your gums look, too? It’s time to find out whether you’re overthinking your smile. Keep reading to learn more about racial and ethnic gum pigmentation problems!
Types Of Skin:
There are three major types of skin: pigmented, translucent, and melanocytic. Skin pigmentation or complexion is an inherent human characteristic. When something goes wrong with our bodies, it’s natural for us to be concerned about the physical changes we see in ourselves. One of these health issues, Vitiligo (also known as leucoderma), has been historically associated with darker-skinned people; however, even lighter-skinned people can suffer from vitiligo when their immune system begins to attack healthy melanocytes (cells that create color) and destroy them.
Causes Of Dark Gum Tissue:
How does racial pigmentation occur and why is it so common in certain areas of our bodies? The dark coloration that most people associate with ethnicity can actually be attributed to a few different causes. Darker skin pigmentation is often due to a larger amount of melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes. When it comes to gums and oral mucosa, these cells are concentrated in two particular layers: under the gum tissue (submucosal) and around blood vessels (perivascular). Melanin production may also be triggered by UV rays or chronic disease.
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Treatments For Dark Gum Tissue:
Several treatments exist for the dark gum tissue, but none are permanent. The two most commonly used treatments include bleaching and Laser treatment. Bleaching is a process that lightens areas of dark gum tissue through the use of chemical products that change color when applied to your gums. Laser treatment employs a concentrated beam of light to burn away areas of darkened gum tissue. Both processes should be done by a licensed dentist or another qualified professional in order to maintain safety levels. Both procedures are costly and time-consuming, with no guarantees for long-term results due to continued staining from food and drinks in general use.
Cost Considerations:
Porcelain veneers, whitening toothpaste, bleaching strips, and laser whitening can all have a dramatic impact on darkly pigmented gums. However, these procedures are expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. These cost considerations can make it difficult to find cheap options that work effectively. The best way to ensure your smile is bright white is by visiting a cosmetic dentist for professional treatment options that fit within your budget and offer long-term results.