In some cases, black gums may mean a person has an underlying condition. The gums are tough tissues that surround and hold the teeth in place. They can range in color from red or pink to brown or ...

Black gums, or gingival pigmentation, are often a normal effect of having a darker skin tone that contains more melanin (the substance that gives skin its pigment, or color).

A sick dog's gum coloring could be blue, black, pale white, or bright red. Dog gums that aren't pink can indicate problems ranging from gum disease to congestive heart failure.

One person’s gums may be naturally a little paler or darker than another’s. When an individual notices that the color of their gums is changing, they should speak with a doctor, especially if ...