Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern DDS |
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Spotting a dark mark on your child’s gums can surprise you, especially if everything looked normal the day before. In many cases, these spots are harmless and related to natural changes in the mouth. Understanding the most common causes can help you support your child’s oral health and know what to expect as their smile develops.
Table of Contents
Why a Black Spot Might Appear on the Gums
Dark spots can show up for several reasons, and most are not emergencies. Children’s gum tissue changes as their teeth grow, and sometimes those changes become visible before a tooth breaks through.
Here are some common causes:
- Natural pigmentation: Some children naturally have darker areas on their gums. This is similar to variations in skin tone and does not affect oral health.
- Eruption hematoma (eruption cyst): A dark bubble may form when a tooth is about to come in. These often look blue, purple, or almost black and usually go away on their own.
- Bruising or minor injury: A bite, fall, or brushing a little too firmly can bruise the gum and create a temporary dark spot.
- Trapped debris: A tiny piece of food or another particle may get caught in the gums and appear as a dark mark.
- Tooth decay beneath the gumline: If a tooth develops tooth decay before it fully erupts, the gum above it may look darker.
- Gum infection: Early gum disease or plaque buildup can irritate the gums and occasionally cause discoloration.
- Dead or infected tooth: If the nerve inside a tooth becomes damaged, the nearby gum tissue may darken and may be accompanied by bad breath or a bad taste.
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or other rare conditions: Certain genetic or endocrine disorders can cause darker pigmentation inside the mouth, though these are uncommon.
- Adrenal disorders: Rare adrenal gland conditions may cause dark patches on the gums or inside the cheeks, but these are typically accompanied by other symptoms.
What To Do When You Notice It
The first thing to do is take a closer look. Note whether the spot seems tender, raised, or changing in size. Many spots stay the same for a few days and slowly fade as a tooth erupts.
You should schedule a pediatric dental visit if you see:
- Swelling around the area
- Redness or discomfort
- A spot that grows or changes quickly
- Any discharge or a bad taste
- Trouble eating or chewing
If the spot is not causing discomfort and your child seems otherwise well, it is safe to monitor it until a dentist can check it.
How Pediatric Dentists Treat Dark Spots on Gums
Most of the time, treatment is simple or not needed at all. After examining your child’s gums, we may recommend one of the following:
- Monitor the area: Natural pigmentation or mild bruising usually does not require treatment.
- Clean the spot: If debris is stuck in the gum tissue, gentle removal often resolves it.
- X-ray: If a tooth is partially erupted, an X-ray helps determine whether the tooth underneath is healthy.
- Helping a tooth erupt: For larger eruption cysts that become uncomfortable, your dentist may open the area to relieve pressure.
- Addressing infection: If an abscess is present, treatment may involve a baby root canal, an extraction, or medication depending on what your dentist finds.
- Referral to an oral surgeon, periodontist or pathologist: Some areas of pigmentation may require an evaluation by a specialist. A biopsy or excision may be needed.
Every child’s mouth is different, and we tailor treatment to your child’s needs to support healthy development.
Simple Ways to Support Gum Health
Daily habits play a big role in keeping your child’s gums clean and reducing irritation.
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once teeth begin to touch
- Offer water between meals
- Limit sticky or sugary snacks
- Maintain regular pediatric dental visits
These habits protect oral health and reduce the risk of issues such as irritation, early tooth decay, or gum inflammation.
Gentle Pediatric Dental Care in Southwest Ranches, FL
Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you understand every change in your child’s smile. If you are concerned about any unusual changes in your child’s mouth, our team will take a look and guide you through the next steps.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
FAQs
Can teething cause black or dark spots on a baby’s gums?
Yes. As teeth push through the gum tissue, the pressure can cause a harmless bruise or an eruption cyst that appears bluish, purple, or dark. These usually improve as the tooth comes in.
How can I treat a black spot on my child’s gums?
Most spots do not need treatment at home. Keeping the area clean, brushing gently, and watching for changes is usually enough. If the spot is from trapped debris, discomfort, swelling, or possible gum disease, a pediatric dentist should take a closer look.
When should I take my child to a dentist for black spots on their gums?
Schedule a visit if the spot grows, becomes painful, looks swollen, has discharge, or does not improve after a few days. Early care helps rule out tooth decay, infection, or any issue that may affect long-term oral health.
