Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Black spots on teeth can be alarming, and they often raise a pressing question: are these merely stains or the early signs of cavities?
In this blog, we will explore the possible causes behind these dark spots, how to differentiate between stains and tooth decay, and the steps you should take to protect your smile.
Remember, while online resources can offer guidance, a skillful dentist is the only one who can give you a definitive answer.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Black spots on teeth can be either harmless stains or the start of a cavity, so it’s important to understand the difference. If you notice a dark spot, schedule a dental check-up to ensure proper treatment and safeguard your oral health.
Surface Stains vs. Intrinsic Discoloration
Not every black spot on teeth is a cavity.
In many cases, what appears as a black dot might simply be a stain. These can develop from:
- Extrinsic stains: These are surface stains caused by external factors such as tobacco products, dark-colored foods (i.e.blueberries), beverages like coffee or red wine, and even certain mouth rinses. They usually affect the outer tooth enamel and can be removed with professional dental cleanings, office tooth whitening, or bonding procedures.
- Intrinsic discoloration: Sometimes, discoloration occurs within the tooth itself due to internal bleeding after trauma or as a side effect of excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. These intrinsic stains often require more involved cosmetic procedures like veneers or crowns.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
On the other hand, a dark spot could signal the presence of a cavity.
Cavities are the result of tooth decay, a process initiated by plaque buildup, acid produced by bacteria, and the erosion of enamel, the protective layer of the tooth. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rapid progression: A cavity can progress much faster than you might think, sometimes developing from a small spot into a more significant issue within just a few months if not addressed.
- Signs of tooth decay: Look for other signs such as sensitivity to acidic or cold foods, a pitted or rough tooth surface, and pain.
- Consequences of ignoring it: Ignoring early signs of decay can lead to more extensive dental procedures, such as root canals or even extraction. Advanced decay compromises the structure of the tooth and will require restorative procedures.
How to Spot the Difference
It’s not always easy to tell whether a dark spot on your tooth is just a stain or the beginning of a cavity. While both can affect the appearance of your teeth, they have distinct causes, textures, and treatments.
Stains
- Location: Stains often appear on the front surface of the teeth or near the gums. They may be more visible on the molar teeth or along the gum line.
- Texture: Surface stains do not alter the texture of the tooth. They are usually smooth and can be polished off during dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning).
- Causes: Diet, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications are common culprits. For instance, excessive exposure to staining agents or a lack of regular brushing can lead to tartar buildup and tooth discoloration.
Cavities
- Appearance: A cavity typically appears as a small, dark pit or hole on the tooth surface. It’s often accompanied by a rough texture or a visible decayed portion.
- Symptoms: You might experience sensitivity when eating sweets or cold foods. Unlike stains, cavities can cause discomfort or pain due to the progression of decay.
- Progression: Cavities can advance rapidly. Early decay, if left untreated, might lead to larger areas of decay, requiring restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy.
If you’re wondering whether a cavity can be brushed away, check out our article on Can You Brush Away a Cavity? Treatment Options for Cavities to learn more about what works and what doesn’t.
What to Do: Treatment Options and Preventive Measures
Whether it’s a stain or a cavity, taking the right steps can help protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile. While stains can often be managed with cosmetic treatments, cavities require professional intervention to prevent further damage. Here’s what to do in each case:
If it’s just a stain
- Professional cleaning: A visit to your dental professional for a dental cleaning can remove surface stains and tartar buildup.
- Bonding or veneers: For stubborn, long-term stains on the tooth enamel, cosmetic treatments like bonding or veneers can help restore a brighter smile.
- Teeth whitening: Professional teeth-whitening treatments can address extrinsic stains effectively, ensuring a radiant smile.
If it’s a cavity
- Dental evaluation: Always err on the side of caution; schedule a dental checkup as soon as possible. Only a dentist can confirm if the black or brown spot is due to tooth decay.
- Restorative procedures: Depending on the extent of decay, your dentist may recommend a filling, a composite resin repair, or in severe cases, root canal therapy.
- Preventive measures: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day and use a mouthwash if recommended by your dentist. Limit intake of sugary foods and acidic foods to prevent further decay. Eat more cheese!
Top Dental Care in the Phoenix East Valley, AZ – Schedule Your Visit Now!
Dark spots on teeth might be nothing more than stains that can be fixed with professional teeth-whitening treatments or cleaning.
However, they could also be the early signs of tooth decay, which, if ignored, may rapidly lead to more severe dental issues.
Regular dental exams are the best way to protect your oral health. If tooth decay is caught early, it can be treated with conservative measures. If left to grow, the treatment will be far more invasive and expensive!
If you are looking for a family dentist in the Phoenix East Valley, Power Road Dental Care in Mesa can help. We are always accepting new patients!
To book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.