Even if you brush and floss regularly, spots can still appear on your teeth. While some discolourations aren't a concern, a black or dark spot may signal a more serious problem like tooth decay.
You might wonder why your pearly whites appear spotted or discoloured and what can be done to remove them.
The purpose of this article is to explain the causes of these dark spots, what you can do to get rid of them, and how to identify more serious conditions.
Why Do I Have a Black Spot on My Molar Teeth?
A black spot on the tooth is more commonly seen in the molars (the last teeth on both sides of the upper and lower jaw). These stains can occur due to environmental or genetic factors. The long-term use of tobacco, smoking and acidic food and drinks like wine, coffee, or tea will result in yellowish or brownish staining of the teeth.
Sometimes black spots are caused by changes or damage in the teeth themselves. It can also be due to decay, excess fluorine, or the use of certain medicines.
A black is not permanent, so do not panic and feel you have to rush to the dentist. But you have to remove black spots from teeth as molars are used to chew food and their health is essential. The treatment depends upon the cause for the black stains on teeth and their severity.
Does Black Spot on Tooth Mean Cavity?
When you see a black spot on the teeth, it is natural to think of a cavity. So, does black spot on tooth mean cavity always? Well, not necessarily. If those spots aren’t painful, the causes could be smoking or fluorosis.
If the black spot is accompanied by the symptoms mentioned below, tooth decay could be the underlying issue. Consult your dentist as soon as possible.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Pain in the teeth
- Hollow teeth structure
- Pain while chewing food
- Sensitivity to sweet and sour tastes
What Causes Black Spot on Tooth
The various causes of black stains on teeth are:
1) Fluorosis:
It occurs due to excessive intake of fluoride. It affects the enamel of the teeth causing brownish or yellowish discoloration. It primarily affects the biting surface of molars.
2) Tartar:
It appears near the gum lines because of plaque deposition for a long time. Plaque has bacteria in it. It hardens with time and forms tartar, which is difficult to remove.
3) Decay or damage to teeth:
The bacteria present in plaque begin to destroy the teeth, resulting in cavities. The decayed parts of teeth appear as black spots.
4) Staining of teeth:
Stains occur due to excess consumption of tea, coffee, wines, tobacco, soft drinks or smoking.
5) Medications and medical conditions:
In certain conditions like celiac disease, the teeth don’t develop properly, and black spots appear on the teeth surfaces. The use of antibiotics such as tetracycline can also cause teeth staining.
6) Injury to tooth structure:
Infection, bruising or internal fracture of teeth can also result in tooth discoloration.
7) Aging:
With age, teeth wear off, and the inner layer of teeth (dentin) is exposed, which is yellow to brownish.
Wondering how to remove black stains from teeth? Visit your dentist, who can identify the reasons behind the black stains and provide you with ways to remove them.
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How to Remove Black Spots From Teeth
There are many ways to remove black spots from teeth. The treatment depends upon the cause behind it, as described below:
1) Tooth decay: Procedures like filling the cavity and root canal treatment with a crown on teeth are advised. The treatment is decided based on the severity of the cavity.
2) Tartar:
The build-up is removed by dental procedures like dental prophylaxis. It also reduces stains on the teeth.
3) Staining of teeth:
To remove a black spot on the tooth, dentists recommend the following procedures:
4) Teeth whitening treatment:
The dentist removes the black stains on teeth using a peroxide-based bleaching kit or whitening strip.
- Whitening toothpaste or powders: Shallow stains on the teeth can be removed using an abrasive toothpaste having baking soda or peroxide as ingredients.
- Restorative bonding: It involves the use of a material called composite. It is molded to the tooth and then polished to match the shade of your natural teeth.
- Veneers: For stubborn dark spots and fluorosis, veneers are advised. These are like shells that can bond to the front of the tooth.
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How to Prevent Black Spot on Tooth
To keep your teeth healthy and looking their best, try some of these tips:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes to achieve the best results. Also, you can use mouthwash that contains ingredients like alcohol, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. The ingredients in these products can help kill bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth, but shouldn't replace brushing and flossing.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Dentists recommend that you drink coffee and other tooth-staining beverages through a straw to prevent the liquid from touching your teeth.
- Drink water right after consuming coffee, tea, soda, wine, red sauces, or chocolate. These foods and drinks can cause spots and stains.
- Avoid nicotine products such as cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, or cigars.
- If you need professional whitening treatments and any extra steps to protect your teeth, you should consult your dentist.
Summing Up on Black Spot on Tooth
Spots can still appear on your teeth even if you brush and floss regularly.
There is some discolouration in certain foods and drinks that isn't usually a cause for concern. However, a black spot or dot on the teeth could be a sign of tooth decay.
You should visit your dentist if you notice a black or dark spot on your tooth. The dentist will be able to determine the cause and offer you treatment options.
A filling or root canal may be recommended by your dentist if the spot is caused by tooth decay. In the case of a stain from food, drink, or nicotine products, your dentist may suggest specific at-home or in-office treatments to remove the stain and lighten your teeth.
