Dark Spots on Lips: Causes and Treatments in Las Vegas
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a dark spot on your lip that you swear wasn’t there yesterday? You’re not alone. Dark spots on the lips are a common concern that brings patients into our Summerlin office every week, and while the appearance can be alarming, most cases have perfectly treatable causes. Understanding what’s behind lip discoloration and knowing when to seek professional care can give you peace of mind and a clear path to healthier, more confident-looking lips.
At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Marianne Cohan, DDS, AAFE, AACD, has over 31 years of clinical experience diagnosing and treating oral health conditions, including dark spots on the lips and surrounding tissue. As a 19-time Best of Las Vegas award winner more than any other dental practice in the state of Nevada our team combines advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, personalized care to help patients across Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Spring Valley, and the surrounding communities get to the root of their concerns. 
What Are Dark Spots on the Lips?
Dark spots on the lips refer to areas of discoloration that appear as flat or slightly raised patches ranging from brown and gray to dark blue or black. Medically, these spots fall under several categories depending on their cause including melanotic macules, hyperpigmentation, venous lakes, and, in rare cases, precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis.
The lip tissue is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face, which makes it more susceptible to damage from sun exposure, dehydration, and irritation. For Las Vegas residents especially, the intense desert sun and dry climate create conditions that can accelerate lip discoloration if protective measures aren’t taken.
13 Common Causes of Dark Spots on Lips
Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment. Here are the most common reasons dark spots develop on the lips.
- Sun Exposure and UV Damage
Living in the Las Vegas valley means exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation for much of the year. Prolonged sun exposure triggers excess melanin production in the lip tissue, leading to brown or dark spots. Over time, this UV damage can also cause actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition that appears as scaly, crusty patches on the lips. Wearing an SPF lip balm daily is one of the simplest preventive steps you can take.
- Hyperpigmentation (Melasma)
Melasma is a common, harmless condition where patches of skin become darker than their surrounding area. It’s frequently triggered by hormonal fluctuations, which is why it affects pregnant women and those taking hormonal medications like birth control pills. These patches can appear on the lips as brown or grayish spots and typically fade with sun protection and topical treatments.
- Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamins B-12, iron, and folate can cause uneven skin tone and dark spots on the lips. A simple blood test can identify these deficiencies, and treatment usually involves dietary changes or supplementation. Dr. Cohan often identifies signs of nutritional deficiency during routine oral examinations at our Summerlin office, one of many reasons regular dental checkups matter beyond just your teeth.
- Dehydration
In Las Vegas’s dry desert climate, dehydration is a significant contributor to lip problems. When your body lacks adequate hydration, lips become dry and chapped. Repeated cracking and peeling can lead to scabs, scars, and dark spots as the tissue heals. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, particularly during the hot summer months, helps keep your lips healthy and reduces the risk of discoloration.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use
Nicotine and the heat from cigarettes cause direct damage to the delicate lip tissue. Smoking restricts blood flow, delays healing, and leaves behind dark stains that accumulate over time. Tobacco use is also a leading risk factor for oral cancer, making regular oral cancer screenings an essential part of your dental care.
- Ill-Fitting Dental Fixtures
Braces, dentures, retainers, and other dental appliances that don’t fit properly can create pressure sores on the lips and gums. Once these sores heal, they often leave behind dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you’re experiencing discomfort or sores from dental fixtures, it’s important to visit your dentist for an adjustment. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we use advanced digital scanning technology, including our TRIOS intraoral scanner, to ensure every restoration and appliance fits precisely, minimizing the risk of irritation.
- Allergic Reactions (Pigmented Contact Cheilitis)
Certain lip products, toothpastes, or even foods can cause allergic reactions that result in lip discoloration. This condition, known as pigmented contact cheilitis, produces dark patches where the allergen contacts the lip tissue. If you suspect a product is causing the reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult your dentist or dermatologist.
- Medications
Some medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs, anti-seizure medications, antimalarials, and antipsychotics, can cause skin discoloration as a side effect. If you’ve noticed new dark spots after starting a medication, discuss the issue with your prescribing physician. Never stop a medication without medical guidance.
The Summerlin Dental Solutions reception area or treatment room showcasing the comfortable, modern environment.
- Hormonal Changes
Beyond melasma, general hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of thyroid disorders can trigger changes in skin pigmentation, including on the lips. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to lip discoloration.
- Excess Iron (Hemochromatosis)
Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food, causing it to build up in joints and organs. This iron overload can cause skin and lip darkening. Treatment typically involves regular blood draws or dietary adjustments under medical supervision.
- Angiokeratoma of Fordyce
These are small, dark red to black, wart-like bumps that can appear on the lips and other mucous membranes. They’re caused by dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface and are most common in older adults. While harmless, they should be evaluated by a professional to rule out other conditions.
- Laugier-Hunziker Syndrome
This rare but benign condition causes flat brown spots on the lips and inside the mouth. It has no connection to systemic disease and requires no medical treatment, though laser therapy is available for cosmetic removal if the appearance is bothersome.
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
This rare, inherited genetic disorder causes freckle-like spots on the lips, mouth, and fingers, along with polyps in the intestines. Because of its connection to gastrointestinal cancer, regular monitoring is essential for anyone diagnosed with this condition.
When Should You See a Dentist About Dark Spots on Your Lips?
While most dark spots on the lips are harmless, certain warning signs warrant prompt professional evaluation. You should schedule an appointment if a dark spot is growing rapidly, has irregular borders or uneven coloring, feels raised, crusty, or scaly, bleeds or doesn’t heal, or is accompanied by pain, swelling, or numbness.
At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan performs comprehensive oral examinations that include thorough screening of the lips, gums, tongue, and soft tissues. Our office is equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment, including 3D CBCT imaging, AI-assisted X-ray analysis, and digital intraoral cameras that allow us to capture high-resolution images of any concerning lesions. This technology gives Dr. Cohan the ability to detect subtle changes early and refer for biopsy when necessary, providing the kind of diagnostic precision that sets our practice apart.
[IMAGE 4:
Close-up of advanced dental technology: 3D CBCT scanner, digital intraoral camera, or AI-assisted X-ray screen showing diagnostic imaging at Summerlin Dental Solutions
Treatment Options for Dark Spots on Lips
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. For many patients, simple lifestyle changes make a significant difference.
At-home care and prevention includes applying SPF 30+ lip balm daily (especially critical in the Las Vegas sun), staying well-hydrated in our desert climate, avoiding tobacco products, using gentle, fragrance-free lip products, eating a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and iron, and protecting your lips from wind and extreme temperatures.
Your dentist or dermatologist can offer professional treatments like laser therapy to remove harmless spots, chemical peels for dark patches on the skin, cryotherapy for precancerous areas like actinic keratosis, prescription creams such as hydroquinone or retinoids, and fixing or replacing poorly fitting dental appliances.
Dr. Cohan’s approach at Summerlin Dental Solutions always begins with an accurate diagnosis. Rather than jumping to treatment, she takes time to evaluate each patient’s full health history, examine the affected area with advanced imaging, and explain every finding clearly. This patient-first philosophy ensures you understand your options and feel confident in your treatment plan, and it has earned our practice 19 Best of Las Vegas awards, including Best Customer Service.
Why Las Vegas Residents Choose Summerlin Dental Solutions
Oral health concerns like dark spots on the lips deserve the same level of expertise and attention as any other dental issue. Here’s why patients across the Las Vegas Valley, from Henderson and Green Valley to Spring Valley, Centennial Hills, and Southern Highlands, trust Summerlin Dental Solutions with their care.
Summerlin Dental Solutions is a 19-time winner of the Best of Las Vegas Award. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has recognized no other dental practice in Nevada as frequently. Our awards span Best Dentist, Best Cosmetic Dentist, Best Woman-Owned Business, and Best Customer Service, a reflection of consistent excellence voted on by the community we serve.
Dr. Cohan’s 31+ Years of Experience. Dr. Marianne Cohan earned her DDS from the State University of New York at Buffalo, graduating with the Periodontics Award and the Operative Dentistry Award. She holds advanced credentials from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Her commitment to continuing education means you benefit from the latest techniques and knowledge in the field.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnosis. Our office features 3D CBCT imaging, FDA-cleared AI-assisted X-ray analysis, TRIOS digital scanning, Smile Design software, and laser dentistry systems. Every piece of technology was personally selected by Dr. Cohan to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce treatment time, and deliver a more comfortable patient experience.
A Comfortable, Welcoming Environment. We understand that visiting the dentist can feel stressful. Our office at 851 S. Rampart Blvd., Ste. 230 centrally located in the heart of Summerlin with easy access from Downtown Summerlin, The Lakes, Desert Shores, Rhodes Ranch, and the 215 Beltway, is designed to feel warm, calm, and professional. Our team prioritizes creating a relaxed and pleasant experience for you from the moment you walk in.
[IMAGE 5: Exterior or interior shot of Summerlin Dental Solutions office showing the welcoming, modern environment or a team photo with Dr. Cohan and staff use actual practice photo]
Take the First Step. Today!
If you’ve noticed a dark spot on your lip and want answers, don’t wait for the concern to grow. Early evaluation is always the best approach, whether the spot turns out to be completely harmless or something that benefits from treatment.
At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we are dedicated to providing you with the expert care and peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 341-9160 to schedule your appointment, or visit dentalsolutionslv.com to book a free virtual consultation from the comfort of your home. Your oral health and your confidence are always our top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Spots on Lips
- Are dark spots on the lips dangerous?
Most dark spots on the lips are completely harmless and result from benign conditions like hyperpigmentation, sun exposure, or minor trauma. However, any spot that changes in size, shape, or color or that bleeds, feels crusty, or doesn’t heal should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan performs thorough oral screenings using advanced diagnostic imaging to identify any concerning changes early.
- Can a dentist diagnose dark spots on my lips?
Yes. Dentists are trained to examine the lips, gums, tongue, and all oral soft tissues during routine check-ups. Dr. Marianne Cohan uses digital intraoral cameras and AI-assisted imaging at our Summerlin office to capture detailed views of any spots or lesions, allowing for accurate evaluation and timely referral for biopsy if needed.
- What causes dark spots on lips in the Las Vegas climate?
The intense desert sun in Las Vegas is one of the biggest contributors to lip discoloration. Prolonged UV exposure without SPF protection triggers excess melanin production and can cause actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition. The dry climate also leads to chronic dehydration and chapped lips, which can result in scarring and dark patches over time.
- How can I prevent dark spots from forming on my lips?
Apply SPF 30+ lip balm daily (reapply every two hours when outdoors in the Las Vegas sun), stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid smoking and tobacco products, use gentle lip products free of known allergens, and schedule regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor any changes in your oral tissue.
- Can ill-fitting dentures or braces cause dark spots on my lips?
Yes. Dental fixtures that don’t fit correctly can create pressure sores on the lips and gums. As these sores heal, they leave behind dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If your dental appliance is causing discomfort, visit Summerlin Dental Solutions, where we use TRIOS digital scanning and advanced fitting techniques to ensure precise, comfortable results.
- Do dark spots on lips go away on their own?
It depends on the cause. Spots caused by minor trauma, dehydration, or temporary allergic reactions often fade on their own within a few weeks. Hyperpigmentation from sun damage or hormonal changes may take longer and benefit from professional treatment. Persistent spots that don’t fade should always be evaluated by a professional.
- What professional treatments are available for dark spots on lips in Las Vegas?
Treatment options include laser therapy, chemical peels, cryotherapy, topical prescription creams, and adjustment of ill-fitting dental appliances. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan begins with an accurate diagnosis using advanced 3D imaging and digital cameras before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
- Is lip discoloration a sign of oral cancer?
In rare cases, a dark spot on the lip can be a sign of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. This condition is more common in fair-skinned men over 50, and the lower lip is most frequently affected. This is one of the many reasons why regular dental exams with comprehensive oral cancer screenings are so important. Dr. Cohan includes this screening as a standard part of every examination at our Summerlin office.
- Why should I choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for an oral health concern like dark spots on my lips?
Summerlin Dental Solutions is a 19-time Best of Las Vegas award winner, more than any other dental practice in Nevada. Dr. Marianne Cohan brings over 31 years of experience, advanced credentials from the AACD, AAFE, and AAID, and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including 3D CBCT imaging and AI-assisted X-ray analysis. Our centrally located Summerlin office at 851 S. Rampart Blvd. is easily accessible from Henderson, Green Valley, Spring Valley, Centennial Hills, Southern Highlands, and communities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
- How do I schedule an appointment to have a dark spot on my lip evaluated?
Call Summerlin Dental Solutions at (702) 341-9160 or visit dentalsolutionslv.com to book your appointment. We also offer free virtual consultations so Dr. Cohan can provide an initial assessment from the comfort of your home. Our welcoming Summerlin office serves patients from across Las Vegas, including Downtown Summerlin, The Lakes, Sun City, Desert Shores, Lone Mountain, Paradise, Rhodes Ranch, The Ridges, The Summit, and beyond.
About Summerlin Dental Solutions Located at 851 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, Summerlin Dental Solutions has proudly served the Summerlin and Las Vegas community since 2000. Dr. Marianne Cohan, DDS, AAFE, AACD, leads the practice, which has received the Best of Las Vegas award 19 times from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. We offer comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care using advanced technology in a warm, comfortable environment. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your visit.
