<s>[INST] I used dip(tobacco) twice the other day in which I by the way do not dip all the time like once a year I buy a can and em up giving it away after a few dips. Back to the other day, when I got home from work, about 4 hours after last dip of tobacco, I went to brush my teeth and such an notice my gums were black/ very dark purple. What causes this? Is it serious? Been afraid to use the tobacco product since. [/INST] Hi , Thanks for asking the query, Use of tobacco can lead to many diseases of gums like leukoplakia , erytholeukoplakia, and benign malignant lesions .  It causes hazardous effects and I suggest you to quit the habit.  Get a checkup done by the Dentist .  Take an OPG x-ray to know the condition of the underlying bone. Get complete mouth scaling and polishing done. Take tab becomes OD for 30 days. Use warm water gargles 3-4 times a day. Further treatment will be decided on visual and radiological examination of the lesion .  Discuss this with your dentist. Hope this helps out. Regards... </s>