Skip to main content

Gum Whitening: Eliminate Black Gums and Restore Your Smile

Black woman after gum whitening procedure

Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you. If you are less than pleased with the aesthetic quality of your teeth and gums, you may experience a loss of confidence. Don’t let minor issues such as teeth and gum discoloration stop you from flashing your pearly whites. If dental concerns are holding you back, there are a number of procedures that can restore your gorgeous smile.

One of the most common and well-known cosmic dental procedures involves teeth whitening treatments. You have probably already heard about this option. However, did you know that there is also a gum whitening treatment that can remove discoloration of the gums? If this is a concern of yours, find out what causes black gums and what you can do about it.

Causes of Black Gums

There are several reasons why you might experience patchy or discolored gums that are either bright red or black. Here are just a few.

Ethnicity

In most cases, this hyperpigmentation is natural and is not a cause for concern. Some people have naturally darker gums simply because their body produces more melanin, or they come from certain ethnic backgrounds. If you have always had darker gums then there is no need for concern. The only reason you would need to seek out treatment is for aesthetic purposes and personal preference.

Lifestyle Choices

However, if you notice a change in your usual gum color, you should make an appointment with Dr. Peter Rinaldi. He will discuss your oral health and provide a thorough exam to find the underlying cause. While the main cause of black gums is harmless, there are some lifestyle habits that can lead to hyperpigmentation. These may have additional health consequences. Smoking or chewing tobacco could cause you to develop black or bright red gums.

Medication

Sometimes necessary medications can also cause gum tissue discoloration. While gum whitening procedures are effective in these cases, it’s important to note that if your condition is related to medication, the discoloration can reoccur if you continue to take the prescription.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

It is also possible that your gum discoloration may be caused by poor oral health habits. Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis is never good. Prevention is often the best route. Developing a good daily routine can go a long way toward improving the appearance and health of your mouth.

Gum Whitening Procedure

If you notice changes to your gum color, you should seek the advice of a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. During your consultation with Dr. Rinaldi, he will review both your oral health and overall health to determine the cause of your black gums. He will discover if you are a good candidate for a gum whitening procedure.

The procedure itself involves using laser technology. The lasers are directed at the discolored spots of the gum tissue and react with the moisture in the mouth to even out the tone. This procedure is minimally invasive and very safe for most people. Nearly all patients experience very little discomfort if any.

Gum whitening procedures work quickly, so you can expect to see immediate results and have minimal recovery time. Most patients are able to carry on with their day right after the procedure. The gum whitening treatment lasts about 30 to 60 minutes from beginning to end. Dr. Rinaldi begins by numbing the area with a topical anesthetic before directing the laser to the targeted areas.

Potential Side Effects

The procedure normally does not have any side effects, although some patients may experience some mild sensitivity. If you are anxious or worried about experiencing discomfort Dr. Rinaldi can give you a stronger anesthetic to help you relax.

After Care and Length of Treatment Results

After your gum whitening treatment, it is essential that you practice excellent oral hygiene and preventative care. If you are vigilant and follow Dr. Rinaldi’s recommendations, the result of your gum whitening procedure should last many years and possibly even a lifetime.

The recommended care routine is simple and is what you should do anyway. It is simply to brush your teeth daily for at least two minutes two or more times a day, floss daily, and attend all of your dental appointments. You should plan on seeing a dentist for a routine cleaning and checkup twice a year. Schedule dental appointments more often or seek advice if you notice any changes or concerns such as pain or bleeding gums.

Another important aspect of preventive care to ensure discoloration doesn’t return is to limit your sugar intake and the number of acidic foods and drinks. We highly recommended that you avoid the use of any tobacco products. If you drink alcohol, you should only do so in moderation.

How Oral Health Affects Your Whole Body

Good oral health and effective dental care are essential to preserve and improve the aesthetic quality of your smile. Additional benefits include better overall health. Studies have found that inflammation and bad bacteria that start from the mouth can affect other areas of the body if left untreated. This can lead to some serious health issues that include heart disease and diabetes.

Your dentist can play a big part in your overwell wellness. During each examination, they perform necessary tests and procedures to keep your mouth clean and healthy and screen for potential concerns. Health problems discovered early are generally easier to treat and have fewer complications.

Choose Rinaldi Dental Arts for Quality Care

If you are seeking dental services of any kind, Rinaldi Dental Arts is a perfect choice. We offer a full range of cosmetic dental services as well as preventative screenings, routine cleanings, and restorations. We also focus on the link between oral health and whole-body wellness treating common health problems such as TMJ and sleep apnea.

Rinaldi Dental Arts provides a stress-free, comfortable, and caring setting to keep our patients at ease. We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety for some people. Therefore, our team works hard to ensure that our office and demeanor are always pleasant so that you can relax and feel secure. Every patient is unique and has their own needs and desires. The team at Renaldi Dental Arts is committed to putting your health and individual needs first.

At Rinaldi Dental Arts, you will be treated by a friendly and knowledgeable team of medical professionals. Dr. Peter Rinaldi alone has over 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. Some of his patients are various sports, business, and media celebrities.

If you are looking for a dentist that has talent, experience, and compassion, schedule an appointment with Rinaldi Dental Arts. Our specialty is cosmetic dentistry such as gum whitening, veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic procedures. We also see patients for oral hygiene, whole-body health, and a beautiful smile. We look forward to meeting with you.


Black woman after gum whitening procedure