Gum depigmentation
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Gum depigmentation
Hamille Tokyo Dental Office
For gum darkening caused by melanin pigmentation, we check the cause and the condition of your gums, then discuss ways to make it less noticeable.
About gum depigmentation
Gum colour is affected by things like your constitution, smoking and irritation. Gum depigmentation mainly treats discolouration caused by melanin pigmentation, and it may not suit discolouration caused by metal restorations, periodontal disease or systemic conditions. We check the cause first, then decide whether this treatment is right for you.
Causes of gum darkening
Melanin pigmentation
Melanin is the pigment that determines the colour of your skin and hair, and it is also present in your gums. When UV exposure or everyday irritation increases melanin production, the pigment can build up in the gums and show as darkening. People with naturally higher melanin levels, or who tan easily, tend to have darker gums too.
The effect of smoking
The nicotine and tar in cigarettes reduce blood flow to the gums, which is thought to be one of the factors that promotes melanin production. The longer you smoke, the more likely the gums are to darken. Pigment that has already built up can fade gradually after you quit smoking, though it may also remain.
Mouth breathing and irritation to the gums
When mouth breathing keeps the gums dry, they become more sensitive to irritation and pigment builds up more easily. Brushing hard with a stiff toothbrush also irritates the gums and is another cause of darkening. Discolouration from metal fillings or crowns has a different cause, so it calls for a different treatment approach.
What we check before treatment
The cause of the darkening
We check where and how far the pigmentation extends, and look for any sign of gum disease or the effect of metal restorations.
The condition of your mouth
If there is inflammation or a wound, we may treat that first.
What happens after treatment
We explain beforehand how the after-effects and precautions differ depending on the method used.
Our approach
Treatment that puts safety first
We use an agent whose safety has been confirmed, applied at an appropriate concentration and for an appropriate time. Before application, we check the condition of the gums for inflammation or a wound, then carry out the treatment.
Combining with teeth whitening
Combining gum depigmentation with teeth whitening improves the overall impression of your smile, addressing both the whiteness of your teeth and the colour of your gums. If you have an important occasion such as a wedding coming up, we recommend planning ahead and allowing time for each treatment.
Treatment process
Examination and identifying the cause
We check the condition of your gums and the cause of the darkening, then decide whether this treatment is suitable.
Explanation of the treatment
We explain the area to be treated, any irritation you might feel, and what to expect afterwards.
Cleaning the gums
We clean the area to be treated and protect the surrounding tissue.
Treatment based on your condition
We confirm the cause and the condition of your gums, then treat you with the method that suits you.
Checking your progress
We explain how to care for your gums at home, and check your recovery as needed.
Aftercare
The after-effects and precautions vary with the method used. Do not rub the area with your finger or a toothbrush, and avoid strongly irritating food and smoking for the period we specify. How much the colour changes varies from person to person, and this treatment does not remove all darkening completely.
What to expect after treatment
In the first few days after treatment
Shortly after treatment, the gums turn temporarily white; this is a short-term reaction to the agent. After a few days, the surface layer begins to peel away and new gum tissue appears underneath. The gums are sensitive during this period, so avoid spicy food and food that is very hot or very cold.
1–2 weeks later
This varies between people, but the surface generally settles after about 1–2 weeks, and the colour changes accordingly. By this stage, normal eating and brushing become easier, though we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for a while to reduce irritation to the gums.
Long-term care
If you continue smoking or expose the gums to strong irritation after treatment, melanin can build up again. Quitting smoking, correcting mouth breathing and reviewing how you brush all help to maintain the result. We recommend regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your gums, and discussing further options as needed.
FAQ
Q1. Does it hurt during or after treatment?
You may feel a stinging sensation when the agent is applied and afterwards, but strong pain is said to be rare. This treatment can usually be carried out without anaesthesia, though topical anaesthesia is available for patients who are sensitive to pain — please talk to us beforehand.
Q2. How long before I see results?
A few days after treatment, the surface layer starts to peel, and you can expect to see a change in colour after about 1–2 weeks. Recovery speed varies from person to person.
Q3. How long does the result last?
This varies between people, but the colour is generally thought to last for several years. If you continue smoking or expose the gums to strong irritation, however, melanin can build up again. Quitting smoking and proper care help the result last longer.
Q4. What should I be careful of after treatment?
For 1–2 weeks after treatment, avoid strongly irritating food and brush gently. We will explain the detailed precautions again after your treatment.
Q5. Does it work on all types of darkening?
This treatment targets darkening caused by melanin pigmentation, and it may not suit darkening with a different cause, such as metal ion deposits. We confirm the cause after an examination and decide whether the treatment is suitable.
Q6. Can a gummy smile be improved too?
Gum depigmentation addresses the colour of the gums; it does not change their shape. If you are concerned about the appearance of your gums, a different treatment may be needed — please talk to us about it.
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