Black teeth are an issue that can manifest due to a variety of reasons. Your teeth derive their typical pearlescent color from the calcium present in the enamel (the outer covering of the teeth).
Depending on lifestyle, individuals tend to have teeth that fall in the spectrum between white-yellow and white-gray. However, in rare cases, your teeth’s enamel may begin turning black. Regardless of the cause, dark stains or enamel discoloration require attention and often call for changes in dental care and habits. This article will explore the possible causes to help you determine your next steps.
Why Your Teeth are Turning Black?
Blackened teeth have two primary root causes. These are as follows:
- Intrinsic: This type of damage comes from within the tooth, progressing outward before finally presenting as blackened teeth.
- Extrinsic: This damage is inflicted externally; typically, staining or tartar that causes discoloration.
Intrinsic Damage
There are various internal issues that may manifest with black marks on teeth. These include the following:
- Advanced Decay or Cavities: Damage by bacteria wears down the enamel and inner layers of the tooth. As the tooth is gradually broken down by bacteria, it leaves behind black spots on teeth.
- Restorative Procedures: Some materials such amalgam (silver sulfide) fillings can cause the surface of the teeth to appear darkened.
- Genetic Issues: Many individuals face an increased susceptibility to dental issues due to their genetic composition. Some genetic diseases may also cause darkened teeth.
- Injury or Trauma: If the tooth is the site of injury, the pulp may be adversely affected or even die. As the internal tissue decays inside, it causes discoloration on the surface.
Extrinsic Damage
Extrinsic damage can also result in discoloration and a blackened appearance of the teeth. Some causes are as follows:
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- Poor Dental Hygiene: Lack of a daily routine that includes brushing and flossing can result in darkened enamel due to a build-up of plaque or tartar. This buildup is initially yellow-white but slowly progresses to a black color without any intervention.
- Tartar Below Gumline: When the tartar develops below the gumline, it can mix with blood from the irritated gums and appear as black discoloration.
- Tobacco: Chewing or smoking tobacco products can leave behind a dark residue, staining the teeth.
- Some Foods and Beverages: Certain highly pigmented food items like coffee, tea, wine, or cola can stain the teeth.
- Medication: Some medications can cause the teeth to take on a greyish-black hue.
How to Treat Blackened Teeth?
Depending on the cause of blackened or discoloured teeth, there may be possible interventions to fix the issue. However, in most instances, professional help is require. It is advisable to review your case with your dentist to develop the best way forward.
Some common dental treatments for black teeth include the following:
- Professional Scaling and Polishing: Your dentist can scrape away plaque or tartar deposits to reveal your tooth’s natural color. They’ll either use a scraper or ultrasonic equipment to break down the tartar and remove the blackened residue with polishing agents.
- Professional Whitening: Dental offices typically also offer teeth whitening procedures that can fix stains from food, medicine, or other substances like tobacco.
When Decay Can’t Be Removed
If your blackened teeth are caused by intrinsic factors or stemming from serious damage, your dentist will not be able to treat the issue with simple tools. Dental decay necessitates greater intervention.
- If the tooth has been cleared of decaying materials (typically through a root canal), you may be recommended a restorative procedure such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.
- If the decay is too severe, your tooth will need to be extracted. In this case, you can opt for dentures, implants, or bridges.
Prevention of Blackened or Discolored Teeth
Good dental practices can fortunately reduce the risk of developing black teeth. Some best practices are as follows:
- Set up a Care Routine: Use a fluoridated toothpaste and brush every nook and cranny of your mouth twice a day. Floss or use a special interdental toothbrush and flush your mouth with mouthwash. You can also consider periodically using whitening strips and scraping your tongue. Annual clean-ups with your dentist can also be helpful.
- Visits to the Dentist: Regardless of your dental health, it is prudent to get a dental check-up at timely intervals. This can be 3 to 6 months, but people with existing decay or increased risk may need more frequent visits.
- Healthy Diet: Limit staining food items in your diet. A healthy diet of wholegrains, fruits and vegetables is best. Sugary food and beverages can attract decay-causing bacteria.
Conclusion
No matter the severity of the underlying cause, there is a recourse available to you. The best practice is to remain vigilant about your dental hygiene and seek intervention when required.
When brushing your teeth, conduct visual examinations and feel for tender areas. Pain and minor discolorations can be indicative of serious issues and progress into issues like black teeth. If you begin noticing early warning signs, seek immediate care from a dental healthcare provider.
For residents of Lake Elmo and nearby areas, Valley Ridge Dental is a trusted choice. As the leading dentist in lake ridge, our clinic is supported by experienced professionals dedicated to high-quality care. We offer a vast range of dental services, including support and consultations for concerns such as black teeth. Whatever your dental requirements, our mission is to direct you to a more confident future!
Contact us today to unlock a future of sophisticated and gentle dental care.
Drop by our clinic: 12425 55th St N Suite B, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Our phone number: (651) 439 – 0322
