Also in the gums and oral mucosa a visible pigmentation is most often caused by genetic factors, but also by tobacco smoking[citation needed] or in a few cases by long-term use of certain medications.
If stopping smoking or change of medication do not solve the problem with a disfigurating melanin pigmentation, a surgical operation may be performed.
These cells produce melanin, which are pigments that cause light or dark brown spots in gums and oral mucosa.
[3] A dental laser can target and ablate the melanocytes, thus reducing the production of melanin in the gingival tissue.
A study found that (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser was effective and there were no signs of re-pigmentation after a 6-month follow up period.