Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
You’ve lined up the perfect shot, your smile’s ready, and just as you’re about to snap that selfie—there it is, a black spot on your tooth, stealing the spotlight. Black spots on teeth can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, making us think twice before showing off our pearly whites.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of black spots on teeth and ways to fix them before they ruin your photo-worthy smile.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Black spots on your teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, from simple stains to more serious dental issues like cavities. Don’t ignore them—get them checked out to ensure your teeth stay healthy and selfie-ready!
Causes of Black Spots on Teeth
Black spots on teeth can appear for various reasons. Here are the most common ones:
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of black spots. When bacteria in your mouth break down sugars, they produce acids that can erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. These cavities can start as small black spots on your teeth and gradually worsen if left untreated.
Tartar buildup is another contributor. If plaque isn’t regularly removed through proper brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which often shows up as yellow, black or brown spots on the teeth. And sometimes the spots look different colors, like orange, for example.
Fluorosis
Fluorosis is another possible cause. If you’ve consumed too much fluoride during the development of your teeth, it could lead to dark spots or discoloration on the enamel. Though fluoride is important for maintaining strong teeth, excessive fluoride intake, especially during childhood, can have adverse effects, namely permanent staining of your permanent teeth.
Trauma to Teeth
Trauma to your teeth can also result in black spots. An injury to a tooth can cause internal bleeding or damage to the tooth’s structure, leading to tooth discoloration. In some cases, the trauma may cause the tooth to die, turning it black or dark over time.
Dietary Choices
Your food choices play a significant role as well. Regular consumption of staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, acidic foods, and tobacco products can lead to dark spots on your teeth. The staining agents in these items can gradually discolor your teeth, leaving you with unwanted black spots.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can exacerbate all these issues. Failing to brush and floss regularly allows food particles and plaque to build up on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which not only causes black/brown/yellow spots but can also contribute to more severe dental issues.
Black Spots: Stains or Cavities?
One of the most common questions is, “Are these black spots stains or cavities?” Here’s how you can tell the difference:
Surface Stains
Typically, surface stains are caused by external factors like tobacco, coffee, or poor oral hygiene habits. They affect the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and are more likely to appear on the front surfaces of teeth.
Cavities
Cavities result from tooth decay and affect the deeper layers of the tooth structure. They often appear as dark spots that are soft to the touch and may cause sensitivity or pain. Cavities (decay) need to be removed with burs and hand pieces–we always want cavity-free teeth!
If you’re unsure, it’s best to visit your dentist. They can easily differentiate between stains and cavities during a regular dental check-up.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause, there are several dental treatment options available:
1. Professional Cleanings
A thorough dental cleaning, aka dental prophylaxis, can remove plaque buildup and surface stains from the tooth enamel. This is an effective solution for black spots caused by external factors like tobacco or coffee.
2. Tooth Whitening
For more stubborn stains, professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile. This treatment targets superficial tooth stains and can significantly improve your tooth color.
3. Restorative Procedures
If the black spots are due to cavities, your dentist will recommend dental fillings, (or even crowns or veneers if there is a lot of tooth destruction due to the decay), to address the decay and restore the tooth’s function.
If the dark spots are caused by stains, dental bonding is a great option. A tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth (teeth) to improve the color, shape or size.
4. Preventive Measures
Brush and floss to prevent black spots. Use fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods that contribute to tooth decay and staining. Regular check-ups and cleanings are fundamental for maintaining oral health and catching any issues early.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some black spots can be managed with good oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes, but there are times when you need to see a dental professional:
- Persistent spots: If black spots don’t go away with regular brushing or dental cleanings, they might be more than just surface stains.
- Tooth sensitivity or pain: Black spots accompanied by sensitivity or pain could be signs of tooth decay or other dental issues.
- Changes in tooth color: If you notice a tooth turning black or darkening, it could indicate a dead tooth, which requires immediate attention.
Power Road Dental Care: Keep Your Smile Bright
Black spots on teeth can be both a cosmetic issue and a sign of a more serious problem. The key is not to ignore them. With the right treatment and preventive measures, you can restore your bright smile and maintain good oral health.
At Power Road Dental Care, our experienced dentist, Dr. Tyler N. Davis, can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
If you are searching for ‘teeth whitening in Mesa, AZ’ or a ‘dentist near me’ we can help! Call (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.