Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
A black spot on your child’s gums can be surprising, especially if it appears without warning. While it might look concerning, not every case points to a problem.
Some spots are part of normal development, while others may signal an issue like injury, infection, or a dental condition. Knowing the difference can help you respond appropriately and protect your child’s oral health.
In this blog, you will learn what can cause a black spot on your child’s gums, how to tell if it’s harmless or serious, and when to get it checked by a dentist.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dark or black gums in children can stem from harmless pigmentation, minor injuries, or more serious issues like infection or tooth damage. A visit to a pediatric dentist is the best way to get answers and ensure your child’s mouth stays healthy.
Causes of Black Gums in Children
There are several reasons a child’s gums may look black or develop dark patches.
- Natural pigmentation: Common in children with more melanin in their skin color. This unpigmented tissue darkens due to genetic conditions and poses no health risk.
- Eruption hematoma: A dark bubble forms when a tooth is about to come in. These black spots are common with baby teeth and permanent teeth and often go away without treatment.
- Injury or trauma: Biting, falling, or brushing too hard may damage gum tissue, leading to bruising or dead tissue.
- Gum infection or disease: Caused by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene practices. This can lead to symptoms of trench mouth or black gum disease.
- Dead or infected tooth: If the pulp dies, surrounding gum tissue can show black patches and cause bad breath or bad taste.
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or endocrine diseases: Rare systemic diseases affecting mucous membranes, sometimes changing the color of gum.
- Amalgam tattoo: A harmless discoloration that may occur near dental fillings made from amalgam.
- Adrenal crisis or adrenal glands disorders: Rare endocrine conditions that may cause dark spots or black color changes in the mouth.
What to Do If You Notice Black Spots on Your Child’s Gums
If you spot dark or black areas on your child’s gums, it’s important to pay attention but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Some causes are completely normal, while others may need treatment. Here’s how to approach it:
- Look closely: Note the size, shape, and color of the dark area. Is it flat or raised? Is it near a tooth that’s coming in or one that looks damaged? These details can help your dentist narrow down the cause.
- Watch for other symptoms: Swelling, bleeding, bad breath, or pain may indicate an infection or injury. If your child has trouble eating or brushing, that’s also worth noting.
- Make a dental appointment: A pediatric dentist can identify what’s behind the discoloration and let you know if treatment is needed. Common causes include natural pigmentation, minor trauma, or eruption hematomas.
- Keep up oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid scrubbing the area, but don’t skip it — keeping the mouth clean supports healing and prevents further irritation.
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations: Treatment may involve monitoring the area, improving oral hygiene, or addressing an underlying issue like a decayed tooth or infection. Cosmetic treatment is rarely needed but may be an option in some cases.
- Prioritize routine checkups: Regular dental exams give your child’s dentist a chance to monitor any changes and prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.
When to Be Concerned
Contact a dentist if you notice:
- Sudden or uneven black patches
- Bleeding, gum pain, or shallow breathing
- A foul smell from the mouth
- Blackness around decayed, damaged, or loose teeth
Book a Dental Exam in McKinney
If you have spotted black patches or unusual gum discoloration, we are here to help. Our pediatric dental team will determine the cause and explain what needs to happen next, whether it’s routine monitoring or targeted care.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or visit us at 5323 W University Dr #100, McKinney, Texas.
📍 Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQs About Black Gums in Children
Treatment depends on the cause. If the discoloration is due to natural pigmentation or an eruption hematoma, no treatment is needed. If it’s caused by infection, poor oral hygiene, or a damaged tooth, your child may need a dental cleaning, antibiotics, or other care recommended by a pediatric dentist. The key is getting an accurate diagnosis so the right treatment can begin.
Yes, in many cases they can. If the discoloration is caused by things like an eruption hematoma, a minor injury, or gum infection, the dark areas often fade with time, healing, or treatment. However, if the cause is natural pigmentation, the color is permanent but completely harmless. A pediatric dentist can tell the difference and guide you on what to expect.
Yes, children as young as 7 can develop gum disease, especially if they have poor oral hygiene or underlying health conditions. Early signs may include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, or dark gum tissue. Catching it early is important. With proper care and treatment, gum disease in kids is often reversible.