Why are my gums black?

Question:

I have black gums.  It’s been like this my entire life.  They do not hurt or anything, but is this normal?

Answer:

Yes this is very normal, especially if it’s been like this your entire life.

For several ethnicities, skin color is derived from a pigment called melanin in the skin cells.  Melanin is also present in your gum tissue and this is what gives it the brown or blackish color.  It all ties in to your skin color and ethnicity.

However, if your gums used to be pink or red and have now turned black or brown, then that can be a sign for something more involved.  If it’s been like this your entire life, then there is definitely nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps!