Blackened Swollen Gums: Causes and Treatment Options

Q: Blackened Swollen Gums: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello： If you still have doubts, it is recommended that you go to a large medical institution for a thorough examination. <br>Additionally, appropriate gum massage can indeed help alleviate periodontal disease. <br>Wishing you health and safety. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Lin Chia-Yu

Swollen gums that are black and exude a white, foul-smelling discharge upon pressure?

Hello, Director Lin.
I would like to consult you about an issue with my gums.
My gums have slightly darkened and swollen, and when pressed, they exude a white, foul-smelling discharge, but there is no pain.
About a month and a half ago, I visited a dental clinic for a diagnosis.
The dentist suspected it might be a periodontal disease issue, performed a simple cleaning, but did not do a full scaling (since I had a scaling done five months ago, and the six-month interval had not yet been reached).
They prescribed an ointment for me to apply and massage on my gums, advising me to observe for a while and return if there was no improvement.

After a month, I was unable to get an appointment, and the dentist was quite busy, so they could only take a quick look at the appearance.
The dentist believed there was some improvement, but I still have the discharge issue, which the dentist claimed was not pus.
They said that the slight reduction in swelling was already a good sign and advised me to wait until the end of July for a scaling.
However, from my personal observation, the improvement over the past month and a half has been limited, and I am concerned that delaying further might worsen the condition.

Therefore, I would like to ask you, Director Lin, should I go directly to a major hospital's dental department for an appointment, or should I wait another half month to return to the clinic for scaling and have the clinic dentist assess the situation? Additionally, I would like to inquire whether massaging the gums can relieve or even treat periodontal disease?

Alex, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/06

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If you still have doubts, it is recommended that you go to a large medical institution for a thorough examination.
Additionally, appropriate gum massage can indeed help alleviate periodontal disease.
Wishing you health and safety.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Chia-Yung, Director of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/07/06

More Info

Blackened swollen gums can be a concerning issue, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and treatment options available. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with periodontal disease, which is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

Causes of Blackened Swollen Gums
1. Periodontal Disease: This is the most common cause of swollen and discolored gums. It can lead to gum recession, loss of tooth support, and even tooth loss if not treated properly. The black discoloration may be due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which can harbor bacteria and lead to infection.

2. Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG): This is a more severe form of gum disease characterized by painful, bleeding gums and ulceration. It can cause the gums to appear black due to necrosis (tissue death).

3. Oral Hygiene Products: Certain mouthwashes or medications can cause discoloration of the gums. If you have recently started using a new product, it might be worth considering.

4. Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, or vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin C deficiency leading to scurvy) can also affect gum health and appearance.

5. Infection: The presence of pus or foul-smelling discharge indicates an infection, which could be localized or systemic.

Treatment Options
1. Professional Dental Cleaning: Since you mentioned that you had a cleaning five months ago, it may be beneficial to have a thorough cleaning again. This can help remove plaque and tartar buildup that contributes to gum disease.

2. Antibiotics: If there is an infection present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial growth.

3. Gum Massage: While gentle massage of the gums can promote blood circulation and may help with discomfort, it is not a substitute for professional treatment. It can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine but should not be relied upon solely for treatment.

4. Surgical Interventions: In advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgical procedures may be necessary to restore gum health. This could include flap surgery or bone grafting.

5. Regular Follow-ups: Given your concerns about the limited improvement, it is advisable to seek a second opinion or consult a specialist, such as a periodontist, who can provide a more detailed evaluation and treatment plan.

Next Steps
Considering your situation, it may be prudent to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist rather than waiting for your next cleaning. A periodontist can assess the extent of the gum disease and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.
In summary, while some improvement has been noted, the persistence of symptoms such as swelling and discharge suggests that further intervention may be necessary. Early and effective treatment is crucial in managing periodontal disease and preventing further complications. Regular dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home are essential for long-term gum health.

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