I Have a Dark Spot on My Gums β Is It Dangerous?
Noticing a dark or black spot on your gums can be surprising. Here's what it might be.
Dark spots on the gums are very common and most are harmless. Possible causes include:
- Amalgam tattoo β a small blue-black or gray spot where a tiny piece of silver filling material has become embedded in the gum. Very common in people with dental fillings
- Racial or ethnic pigmentation β many people naturally have darker patches on their gums, especially people with darker skin tones. This is normal
- Freckle or mole β just like your skin, you can have harmless pigmented spots on your gums
- Blood blister β a dark red or purple spot from minor trauma, usually heals quickly
- Melanotic macule β a flat, brown spot that is benign but should be monitored
- Melanoma β very rare in the mouth, but can appear as a dark, irregular spot
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Small, flat, blue-gray spot near a tooth with a silver filling (likely amalgam tattoo)
- Dark patch that has been there for years without changing
- Symmetrical pigmentation on both sides of the gums
- Spot that appeared after eating or minor injury
- Worth having checked:
- New dark spot that is growing or changing shape
- Spot with irregular borders or multiple colors (black, brown, red, white)
- Spot that bleeds when touched
- Area that feels raised or thickened
- Dark spot surrounded by redness
When to See a Doctor
- See a dentist if:
- You notice a new dark spot that is growing or changing
- The spot has irregular edges or multiple colors
- It bleeds when you brush or touch it
- You have a dark spot that appeared suddenly with no explanation
- You have a history of melanoma or skin cancer