Epithelial Melanosis of the Gingiva Possibly Resulting from the Use of Oral Contraceptives

A case is briefly presented which is typical of others seen by the authors. A 21-year-old white woman of fair complexion presented at the dentist with extremely dark areas on the gingiva which had increased in size and distribution for 2 years. Concurrently the patient had begun oral contraceptives 2 years before and was still taking the drug. Histological examination showed squamous epithelial layer from the gingiva with heavy pegment granule population in basal cells of that layer. The diagnosis was labial gingiva-epithelial melanosis. The relationship between oral contraceptive use and the melanin pigmentation seemed apparent and these dentists recommend counseling prospective patients with light complexions as to the likelihood of this condition developing under oral contraceptive therapy.