Black Gums

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   black gums?
   my cat has pink gums but on the side its not pink its black, is that a problem or should i stop stressing?

   • ANSWER:
     Stop stressing, my cat has black on the roof her mouth, it’s nothing to be concerned about, my vet said its okay.

2. QUESTION:
   Black Gums?
   Are black gums normal for some breeds? We have a Black Chow/Mix, and my g/f never noticed his gums being black. Thats not to say they always have been black?!!! Any ideas?

   • ANSWER:
     Some dog breeds just naturally have black gums. Some have black tongues too.

3. QUESTION:
   Black gums?
   Is this normal? I just noticed that my black lab has… black gums. It’s just a straight line across the top and bottom, jet black… Like this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/middleearth/BlackGums.jpg
   (please excuse the ugliful drawing xD)
   But is this normal. I don’t remember her having black gums like that. She’s 2 years old and doesn’t have any bad tartar build up or stains on her teeth. Just the normal sorta yellowy-off-white teeny bits of color on her back teeth, that’s all. But… I find this weird…. Is that just normal? xP
   Well… The yellow’s just barely there, and only in the way back teeth. I mean, no dog’s teeth are totally white and spotless, right? =P I think my black lab has great teeth. =P
   Okies, thanks everyone. =P I was just hoping there wasn’t something /else/ wrong with her. Guess I’m starting to get paranoid, as it seems as though she’s /always/ got /something/ wrong with her. xP

   • ANSWER:
     I actualy liked the drawing!
     My dog has the black gums too.. and so did my last one (who lived to be 14) Sometimes the inside of a dogs mouth isnt their best looking feature..

4. QUESTION:
   How to get rid of black gums ( dentist help would be nice)?
   I am 14 years old, and mixed, my gums are spotted pink and black and I hate it! Do you know any cures or remedies to make them pink? My mom’s gums are pink and my dads are a darkish pink, but pink nonetheless.

   • ANSWER:
     Wow, this is a toughie! In a mixed race marriage you get some genes from both races and I’m sure you’ve noticed that your skin coloration might not be as dark as your dad or as light as your mom. Everyone has different coloration in their gums from light to dark with the darker races usually having dark gums ( which go along with their skin coloration). There really isn’t anything that I know of personally that will change the coloration of gingiva (gums). While this may be a bother to you [probably along with all of the other stressful things a person your age goes through], in the grand scheme of things this is nothing to get up tight about. Sure, you may hate this now but later on, as you mature [and any friends that possibly are remarking about it now do too] this will be a non event. The good news is that the coloration may even improve as you get older….how’s that? I’m sure you have many other assets that you can be rightly proud of….think about it.

5. QUESTION:
   Why do some dark skin people have black gums?
   I know some are born with black gums and some are born with pink gums. But I hear when you have pink gums ther healthy. I hope I didnt offend anyone. b/c I didnt mean to.

   • ANSWER:
     Black gums are simply highly pigmented. It isn’t an indication of health.

6. QUESTION:
   Is it normal for a cat to have black gums?
   My cat has a black spot on her gums. Is this normal?

   • ANSWER:
     Some cats have black gums. Our male cat’s gums are red and black. Perfectly, healthy (so says the vet).

     Sort of how a giraffe’s tongue is black.

7. QUESTION:
   Black gums under a tooth that needs a crown?
   Yesterday I noticed that under the tooth that I need a crown on theres a little spot of black on my gums.What could that mean? Also I had a root canal on this tooth and now the temp crown is breaking.

   • ANSWER:
     whatever answers you get to this question, you should know that you should see a dentist as soon as possible to address the temporary crown that is breaking (assuming a new crown is not being made at this time).If a new crown is not in the works, you risk breaking the tooth or having to have the root canal redone. A cracking temporary crown, means that there may be material leaking into the root canal area, which could cause the tooth to become reinfected and thereby need a re-treatment of the previous root canal (which would cost more than the original root canal cost).

     Regarding the spot on your gums, if you are not sure that it was there before, I cannot take a guess at what it is. If it is been there for a long time and has not changed, it is likely an “amalgam tattoo”, which often occurs following the removal of an amalgam filling (little bits of amalgam get into the gums and stain them a dark gray).

     The bottom line is that if your current crown is being made, you should probably call the dentist and tell them that your temporary is breaking and asked him what they want you to do. If a permanent crown is not currently being fabricated and you’re putting off doing that, you should see the dentist and have them make you a permanent crown, because you risk losing the investment that you’ve already put into the tooth. In either case, make sure you ask the dentist what the dark spot on your gums is. Best wishes.

8. QUESTION:
   Why does my cat have black gums?
   I have a tuxedo black and white cat who just turned seven this year. Seems pretty healthy. Eats and drinks normally. Very playful. Just wondering if his gums being black are just due to his color of fur or whether there’s something wrong with him?

   • ANSWER:
     Don’t worry about it – it’s just the natural pigment in his gums. It’s the same reason why animals or humans have dark or light skin. My dog is spotty and her gums have spots on them! It’s just genetics.

     Unless the cat has very bad breath, loose teeth, broken or rotting teeth etc… then don’t worry about it. If he does have any of those things then take him to the vet for a dental checkup.

9. QUESTION:
   After taking citalopram my gums are no longer black?
   was born with black gums. but after taking citalopram or something my gums are now pink colour? what happened?

   • ANSWER:
     Although a rare side effect, Citalopram may cause bleeding gums.

     http://doublecheckmd.com/EffectsDetail.do?dname=citalopram&sid=13878&eid=2670

     Relay your concerns to your medical provider.

10. QUESTION:
    Is there anyone else out there who has black gums?
    I had black gums since I can remember, until I got a sonic toothbrush. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there who had the same experience. My gums began turning more pink within a month of beginning using my sonic toothbrush regularly. My gums are about 95% pink now.
    I have researched it and know what it is, but nothing I read says anything about sonic toothbrushes being helpful. It is a relatively common condition that is more common in certain ethnicities.

    • ANSWER:
      we turn them pink with ND:YAG Laser… but the pigmentation comes back 6 to 12 months, maybe more, is perfectly natural and the freak is the one that told you that… fr eakin ignorant

11. QUESTION:
    How to I lighten my Gums their black and ugly and kids tease me at school saying ‘karen blows reefer”?
    REEFER IS MARIJUANA WHEN PEOPLE SMOKE WEED THEY OFTEN HAVE BLACK GUMS SO THATS WHY THEY TEASE ME I DON’T DO DRUGS

    • ANSWER:
      um, i’m not sure. and i don’t want to seem rude, but why are they black? if you really want to know, maybe you could ask your dentist. and maybe there would be a simple solution. i hope you figure out how to lighten your gums.

12. QUESTION:
    How do you get rid of dark/purple/black gums?
    I have yellow teeth and am wondering, how to get rid of the dark gums. Are there any remedies that i can use.

    • ANSWER:
      I don’t think there’s anything you can do about your gums, but there are a lot of at home teeth bleaching kits available. Once you whiten your teeth, your darker gums might actually make your teeth seem even more vibrant and glorious!

      BTW…all you folk who aren’t paying attention…I think Jackeeee might be African-American and it’s not terribly unusual for African Americans to have darker gums. It doesn’t mean they have mouth rot……

13. QUESTION:
    Black gums on dog after dental cleaning?
    I just had my dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at the vet, and after coming home…I noticed her gums are black (bruised?). Is this normal after a cleaning?

    • ANSWER:
      yes bruising is normal, the descale and polishing process is quite vigirous, and depending on how much plaque needs to be removed, depends on how much pressure needs to be applied, your dog will be fine after 3 to 4 days, do not give hot or hard foods up to 3 days after procedure, and go back after 10 days for a chk up, trust me, i have preformed lots of these procedures.
      Vet nurse.

14. QUESTION:
    Black gums after wisdom teeth extraction?
    Yesterday i had 3 of my wisdom teeths extracted (2 top, 1 bottom) and when i woke up this morning i checked my gums and my bottom one was black and it felt a little sore is this normal?

    • ANSWER:
      Can be normal….blood clot gradually can turn blackish…

15. QUESTION:
    My son fell and now has black gums. It bled a lot and his face is swollen.?
    I thought he was fine until this morning and I noticed that his gums are black. Should I be worried? I am waiting for the Doctor to call me back, but I am wondering if maybe I should call the dentist too. My son is two years old.

    • ANSWER:
      The black in the gums is just a lot of blood under the gums. Going into the dentist and getting an xray might make you feel better, but they probably won’t be able to tell you much. Ice the area if possible, then watch the area. If the gum above the injured tooth develops a pimple looking thing anywhere in the next 4 years, then the area needs attention. Otherwise, expect the tooth to become slightly discolored. This is normal.
      Welcome to having a boy! This won’t be the last time for these kinds of injuries. My own son has done the same thing…starting about 20 months (and he’s only 3 1/2 now!)

16. QUESTION:
    What to use when gums receed and show black where crown was placed?
    I’ve previously had dental work done that included some of my teeth to be capped. Over the years my gums have receeded and close to my gums and black is showing. Is there something I can paint on those places so the black won’t show?

    • ANSWER:
      I think you have to get a new crown. It’s happening to me too.

17. QUESTION:
    Dog chewed through extension chord, now black gums?
    Okay so, my dog (1yr old dachsund) chewed through an extension chord about 2 weeks ago. I called the vet and they told me which antibiotics to giver her and that as long as there was no bleeding or any extreme damages that she would be fine. Well her breath is AWFUL and now her gums are turning black around her back teeth where the actual wire burned her mouth. Will her teeth fall out or will the black stench go away? Any information will be appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      Bluish or black gums could be a sign of the fact that your dog is not getting sufficient oxygen, though that is not very likely since it has been two weeks. She could have burned her gums…that is my best guess…You should try to touch her gums and see if they are dry or if touching them causes her pain. If it does, then I think the best thing to do would be to take her to the vet. I am not sure how you can treat it…
      I hope your dog gets better

18. QUESTION:
    what color are the gums in a healthy 6 yr old brown dauschaund, black with brown markings?
    Have noticed that his gums are black, don’t know if it’s normal or not, no apparent signs of any illness of any kind
    to ido.west, sorry about the spelling, it’s not my dog, just asking for a friend. About age , markings, etc, thought the more info provided the more accurate answer i’d get!

    • ANSWER:
      hello,
      usually healthy dogs gums are pink but they can have some black or brown spotting on them. depending on age and some are just born with these marking….
      i would take the dog to a vets if you feel worried about it as well if all the gums are black then i would be going to a vet for sure!!!!

19. QUESTION:
    I’m indian and i was wondering if its normal 2 have black gums?
    1cm of the skin above my teeth (my gums) is black and then immediately pink. is this normal?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, its normal. The black color is due to ”melanin” a pigment which is naturally found in the gums and skin. Its normal for darker skinned people to have more of the pigment, which gives the darker color in the first place, and lighter skinned people have less of melanin.
      Pigmentation also increases in some disease conditions, but that’s a totally different issue.

20. QUESTION:
    Why do some black people have black gums and others have them red?
    Not racist, just curious.

    • ANSWER:
      Everyone except the Dr Sam is wrong.

      This is called physiologic pigmentation. Hispanics and any one non-white can have it as well.

      It is simply pigmentation in the gums, it has absoulutely nothing to do with how hard you brush (that causes recession, not discoloration).

      It also has absolutely nothing to do with having poor oral hygiene.
      Its just like some white people have freckles, moles and others don’t.
      For more info you can search Physiologic pigmentation.

      Absolutely normal.

21. QUESTION:
    Why do some people have black gums?
    I’ve got pink gums where as one of my aunt and uncle have black gums.

    I want to know why some people have black gums.. how comes?

    • ANSWER:
      My gums are pink but if I open my mouth wide up and lift my lip up and look right at the top of my gum they look grey. I guess everyone is different.

22. QUESTION:
    Is it usual/common for some people to have “Black” or dark colored gums?
    I was just wondering if it is healthy for some people to have black gums. I recently saw a young boy, he was about 7 years old and his gums were BLACK and his teeth were white. Im sure it is not from eating candy or too much sugar. But,I have never noticed that before, I hope its not an ignorant question to ask, but is this some kind of gum diesease or what?
    *I should add that the boy was black

    • ANSWER:
      It depends- was the boy not of Europeans descent? Many African American or darker skinned people can often have dark or almost black gums. It does not always mean there is some type of disease present. I am black and when I was younger my gums were pink, as I got older they got darker. Genetics. Also people with darker skin tones who smoke almost always get dark gums and their lips turn dark also. Hope this helps some..

23. QUESTION:
    What’s with the black/darkness along where the teeth and gums meet?
    My friend says his gums are irritated (front bottom ones) and also on his bottom front three teeth towards the inside it’s getting very dark/black where his gums meet his teeth.

    Any information is appreciated.
    The dark/black discoloration is only the root of his teeth, not on the gum.

    • ANSWER:
      It sounds like calculus. It is hardened bacterial deposits which can also be called tartar. You need to have it cleaned by a dentist.

24. QUESTION:
    Why do some asian people have black spots on their gums?
    I have noticed that some asian people (not all) have black spots on their gums or their entire gums are black… the people I know that have this do not smoke or chew tobacco or anything like that.

    Why does this happen?

    • ANSWER:
      “betel chewing”

25. QUESTION:
    What cause black gums mines not black it like a light brown so how can it b com clear/white?
    I NO A FRIEND THAT HAVE BLACK GUMS IT LOOK NASTY

    • ANSWER:
      Black/brown tinting in the gum tissues of dark skinned people is a variation of normal, and is called racial pigmentation. it is very common, and no amount of brushing the teeth or gums will change it.

26. QUESTION:
    I got punched in my mouth now gums are black in front?
    I got punched in my mouth now gums are black in front, but my teeth nor my gums hurt? How long will it take for it to turn back pink?

    • ANSWER:
      2 – 3 weeks.
      You have got a haematoma on your gums.
      Nothing to worry.

27. QUESTION:
    Why would my lab chow have white spots in his mouth with black around his gums?
    I have a 4 year old lab chow and I just noticed he has white spots in his mouth and black around his gums. I never saw that before. What do you think it is?

    • ANSWER:
      It may be pigmentation, aka just the colour of his skin

28. QUESTION:
    Why do i have a spot of black gums?
    1….i’m white

    #2….my gums are pinkish red

    #3…..there’s a tiny spot of black on my gums….how did i get it?

    #4…….how can i remove it?

    • ANSWER:
      It’s really impossible to say what this is without seeing it. Here are a couple of things it could be:
      1. Amalgam tattoo – if you’ve had silver fillings and there was a little piece of filling material that didn’t get washed away, it could have discolored your gums. There really isn’t a way to remove this.
      2. Pigmentation – it’s possible to have the equivalent of a mole on your gums, just a spot of pigmentation.

      If it’s not causing you a problem, have your dentist take a look at the next visit, and they can tell you for sure.

29. QUESTION:
    What can a large spot of black on my gums mean?
    I had false teeth in the front that were attached to the remaining roots about 10 years ago. About 2 years ago the area started caving in above my gum. Today I noticed a black area around the gum. It’s fairly large and black, about 1 inch by a quarter inch solid black. What could this mean? It’s scaring me. Thanks for your help.

    • ANSWER:
      This could be a variety of things from bruising to infection to even oral cancer. It’s hard to know without seeing it. When was the last time you went to the dentist? I would suggest seeing a dental professional right away and they should be able to pinpoint what is going on.

      Never delay getting these things checked out. The longer you wait, the greater chance there is of permanent damage.

30. QUESTION:
    What causes Phillipinos to get black patches on their gums?
    I’ve notice quite a lot of Phillipinos have this problem. Of course many don’t and have beautiful teeth but what is that black discoloration on the gums?

    • ANSWER:
      black gums are due to hereditary or health reasons. maybe you’ve seen those black patches on people who wear tooth jackets. they make the gums black.

31. QUESTION:
    8 year old scotty dog used to have black gums, they have been turning pink for quite a while.?
    He also has one of his nostrils turning pink too, is this part of the dog aging.

    • ANSWER:
      You need to have your dog examined by a vet. Changes in pigment can indicate several issues. Autoimmune is one that comes to mind.

32. QUESTION:
    Should my gums turn black after a having a crown fitted?
    Yesterday I had a crown fitted, my tooth broke accidently, my dentist needed to insert pins to hold crown in place, this morning my gum has turned black above crown, Is this bruising, or are the pins showing under the gum?

    • ANSWER:
      Most likely you are seeing the collar of the crown which is just below the gumline. It is harmless, though unsightly. Most crowns today are no longer made with metal collars, but a few still are around. If you have further concerns, go back to the dentist and he/she can give you a more accurate answer. Good Luck

33. QUESTION:
    Why does my border collie have black spots on his gums?
    He’s a 2 year old full bred black and white border collie. He has light gray/black spots underneath some of his teeth on his gums and around his mouth (like his doggie lips lol). He was away from me on a farm for like a year and I don’t really know what happened. I try not to let him eat things from outside but he’s a dog..Is this something to worry about?

    • ANSWER:
      It’s just pigmentation. Dogs (as well as other animals) often have color variations in their gums and tongue. It’s harmless and some times is a sign of good breeding in some breeds.

34. QUESTION:
    I can see black root below my crown and black gums my dentis says it is normal How is normal to see black root?

    • ANSWER:
      I can see that below both of my crowns too, where the gums receded a little. My dentist and hygienist have never mentioned it during cleanings or anything over the last few years, I just figured its normal.

35. QUESTION:
    What do I do about black gums?
    i have black gums and i don’t know what to do. Their not literally black, their just a darkish-purple. Its around the top set of teeth/gums, theirs barely any on the bottom set. I heard that it’s normal for african-americans, but i don’t know for sure. I don’t smoke ,drink ,chewing tobacco, or do drugs. I want pink gums, or at least for most of my blackdark purple gums to be pink. How can I get rid of it?

    • ANSWER:

36. QUESTION:
    i have a staffie and she has really black gums and a really bad cough can anyone help i am really worried abou?
    i have a staffie and she has really black gums and a really bad cough can anyone help i am really worried abou

    • ANSWER:
      Take your dog to the vet as soon as you can.

37. QUESTION:
    how do you get rid of black gums and why do people have it?
    people have black gum in their mouth…why is that and how can you get rid of it

    • ANSWER:
      If you are referring to someone that is black it is probably just the amount of melanin present in the tissues and is normal. It isn’t possible to alter the color and probably shouldn’t be a worry. However, if you are concerned about yourself or a friend please mention it to a dentist or dental hygienist when in for your checkup and they can confirm that it is just normal pigment. If you have any odd looking red, white, or blue patches then I would be concerned that they are related to oral cancer. Hope that helps!
      JAMRDH – a dental hygienist

38. QUESTION:
    Why does my staffie have black gums?
    I have a 3 yr old staffie boy, and I have just noticed that he’s got all black gums??
    I have been told that it’s becuz he’s a pure bred staffie he shud have black gums and the roof of his mouth shud be too?
    I’m not sure what too belive tho?
    Please help xx

    • ANSWER:
      Any dog with darkly pigmented skin may also have dark pigment on his gums or other places as well. Unless this is a sudden change or is accompanied by swelling, itching, or growths then it is nothing to be concerned about. Not all Staffies have pure black gums, and not all dogs with pure black gums are Staffies, so that part is a myth.

39. QUESTION:
    I have a cat that has a black spot on her gums. What should I do?
    I have a cat that is barely a year old. She has a black spot on her gums. Is this usual? She had no pain because of that. What should I do?

    • ANSWER:
      That’s probably normal for her. My Beagle has what is known as liver spots all over her belly. They weren’t there when she was a pup. I know a guy that had a dog that looked like a black Chow. It was some kind of Chinese breed. It’s mouth was almost black inside. I mean no pink tongue or gums. Everything was almost black. The dog looked demonic.
      However, if you are concerned, make an appointment with a vet.

40. QUESTION:
    Why are some Black people’s gums darker than others?
    This is in no way meant to be funny, or racist. I am just truly interested in knowing why some Black people have darker gums than other Black people (or really every other race). I’ve only really seen it in the Black race, so please forgive me if dark gums exist in other races.

    • ANSWER:
      very simple. Our skin consists of melanocytes which is responsible for the coloring of our skin and the gums of our teeth consist of melanin as well so this is responsible for the different color variations.

41. QUESTION:
    are cats supposed to have black spots on their gums?
    My cat has weird black spots on his gums and I don’t know if their supposed to be their. The vet never says anything about them,but I need to be sure.

    • ANSWER:
      Sometimes it’s just the color of the gum but if it’s like a extra piece of gum that is black then it could be a type of mouth cancer but if your vet has said nothing about it then it must not be an health issue. I highly doubt though that it’s a cancer because if it’s on the gum then it’s not anything of a health issue. Don’t get worried because usually black spots can be just a common skin mark on any dog or cat’s gum. Did you point it out to the vet if not you should go back and show them it. I would imagine though that they would see it because vets usually always check a pets teeth or gums when you go there.

42. QUESTION:
    is it normal for my cat to have black spots on his gums and nose?
    i have a tabby cat and i have noticed that it has black spots all over its gums and nose. i know he did have them when he was a kitten. is this normal? or should i be worried ?

    • ANSWER:

43. QUESTION:
    How come my gums are black????
    ever since i was young i had black gums and i never understood why. my mom and my brohters gums are pink so whats the deal???

    • ANSWER:
      It’s just pigment on your gums, just like the kind that makes skin darker, you can have more on your gums, making them darker, even black. It doesn’t matter what your family’s looks like. Some people get dark spots here or there, or like in your case, all over.

      There’s nothing wrong with it. If you’re that concerned, see you dentist, and have them take a look, if they haven’t already noticed, which i doubt.

44. QUESTION:
    Why are my gums turning black?
    I had two Maryland bridges done a year ago. Recently, my gums above the bridges have started to turn darker and black and the Maryland bridge teeth have turned slightly darker. What is causing this and how do I fix it?

    • ANSWER:
      The basic problem with a Maryland bridge is that is has a metal framework which over time causes some degree of discolouration to the supporting and surrounding tooth substance. There may also be a reaction between the tissues of the gums and the components of the metal alloy used to make the bridge. I would suggest, as always, that if you are really concerned you go back to your dentist and ask his opinion. If aesthetics are a problem then these bridges may need to be replaced using a non-metallic (e.g. all-ceramic) bridge, but they would not be allowed under the NHS dental contract.

45. QUESTION:
    My son’s gums are turning black does that mean he has a cavity?
    My son’s gums are turning black does that mean he has a cavity?

    • ANSWER:

46. QUESTION:
    Is it bad that my puppy has black gums?
    She’s four and a half months old and a eskimo/pomeranian breed with gray and white fur. Around 2 weeks ago I found out she had no bottom teeth, but now her teeth is almost done growing out. I also found one of her baby teeth on the floor yesterday. (if this helps)

    Is this natural or does she need to see the vet? Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      No, not unless her gums used to be a different color. She’s around the age my dog lost her teeth as a puppy- in teething stage they loose they’re puppy teeth and is probably simply growing in her adult teeth. I have a friend with an american eskimo dog and it’s gums are naturally all black whereas my Belgian Shepherd has pink and black spotted gums. If the color has changed it may be a major problem.

47. QUESTION:
    What is this sudden black spot on my gums?
    Today I dicovered a couple of black spots on my gum in between my teeth kind of. It has a pain to it, but it’s bearable. Please give me more information on this and if I need to go see a dentist or not. Thank you very much

    • ANSWER:

48. QUESTION:
    what is a black bump on the gums called?
    i saw someone at my school with a black bump on their gum,ill! it looked very weird.actually its a friend from my school.but i just wanna know what kind of bump could that be?and why does it have to be black?

    • ANSWER:
      Might be a blood blister. Black because it’s filled with congealed blood.

49. QUESTION:
    my dog has black gums is there something wrong?
    my dog winnie is only 11 months and ive just noticed in some places her gums are black is this normal or is there something wrong there usually pink and healthy looking black does not look right im booking her into see a vet tommrrow just to be sure but im worried
    hi laura winnie is a cross between a staffie and somet else and there are no spots on pads of her foot or belly and thanks for answering guys im not that worried any more

    • ANSWER:
      Hi there,

      Gums should be pink or pigmented with black. Pale gums can be a sign of anemia. Red, inflamed gums are often a sign of gingivitis or other periodontal disease. The dog should have no bleeding or foul breath either.

      It’s natural for there to be the odd spot of black on there, but a lot could indicate a possible problem. You did the right thing booking her in to see a vet, they will be able to have a proper look and tell you if you need to be worried.

      Try not to worry too much though, the vet will help you out, and it’s only natural to worry.

      Hope everything works out and Winnie is healthy and happy.

      All the best, Dave

50. QUESTION:
    Cat has a black line straight across his gums, should I worry?
    He’s around 9 months old and he has a black line on his gums, didn’t think anything of it because he is a dark colours cat with a lot of black striping and I know that a cats mouth can take on a lot of those things, but I’ve caught him rubbing his mouth on cardboard boxes that I leave out because my other cat loves jumping in them.
    Is this something to worry about or not a big problem? Would appreciate answers with descriptions please and thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      it sounds like he is hurting his gums on the cardboard. you should put away the cardboard and take him in to see the vet to have his mouth checked – perhaps his food or an infection or something is irritating him gums and he is trying to scratch them. i think the worse you’d be looking at is no more cardboard, possible change in food and antibiotics.