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Articles
Drug-Induced Oral Pigmentation: When medications darken the mouth
Some medications such as minocycline, antimalarials and chemotherapy agents can cause brown or grey-blue oral pigmentation. Learn the patterns. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Physiological Oral Pigmentation: A normal harmless brown colour of the gums
Physiological oral pigmentation is a normal symmetrical brown colour of the gums and mouth lining seen in many people with darker skin. It is harmless. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Oral Malignant Melanoma: A rare but aggressive cancer of the mouth
Oral malignant melanoma is a rare but serious mouth cancer, most often appearing as a dark patch on the palate or upper gum. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Smoker's Melanosis
Smoker's melanosis is harmless brown discolouration of the lining of the mouth caused by smoking. It usually fades after stopping. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Addisons Disease (Oral Pigmentation): When the mouth turns brown
Addisons disease can cause brown or black pigmentation of the gums and oral mucosa, often alongside skin pigmentation, fatigue and weight loss. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Amalgam Tattoo: When amalgam particles stain the gum
An amalgam tattoo is a flat, grey-blue or black stain in the gum or cheek caused by tiny amalgam particles that have lodged in the soft tissue. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026
Oral Melanotic Macule (Focal Melanosis): A benign brown spot in the mouth
An oral melanotic macule is a small, flat, well-defined brown spot in the mouth, most often on the lower lip. It is benign but should be checked. Reviewed by Dr Cristian Dunker.
18 May 2026