Black teeth can be a sign of an underlying decay or cavities that need to be attended to as soon as possible. However, black teeth may likewise be the result of staining. Various foods and beverages can leave behind a bit of pigment, causing the teeth to turn black.
Teeth owe their color to the high amount of calcium discovered in the outer layer of the teeth, called the enamel.
With time, other aspects left by foods and drinks can start to make teeth yellow or gray. If the teeth turn black, however, an individual needs to check out a dental expert as quickly as possible.
What Causes Black Teeth?
Teeth turn black from either extrinsic or intrinsic causes.
Extrinsic Causes
Extrinsic causes of the teeth turning black originated from the outside of the tooth.
These can consist of:
- damage to the enamel
- spots
- tartar buildup
Some direct causes of staining consist of:
- frequently consuming or drinking a dark food product, such as coffee
- taking specific medications, such as liquid iron supplements
- using certain mouth rinses and toothpaste
- using tobacco
- having crowns and fillings made with silver sulfide
Intrinsic Causes
The tooth may appear black when harmed from the within. The most common perpetrators of black teeth in these cases are decay or cavities. For instance, a pulp infection or dead tooth may turn a tooth black.
The damage begins on the inside and works its method to the surface. The black color of the tooth might first appear in spots and eventually cover the whole tooth if left without treatment.
Symptoms of Black Tooth
It is not normal for a tooth to rapidly change from a whitish shade to black. A person will generally observe some other signs before the tooth starts to turn black.
Sometimes, a spot may appear brown or gray. With time, the brown spots can turn black.
Other times, the teeth might establish small dots that appear black. These little dots often appear near the gumline, which is a common occurrence in kids who have black teeth.
When tartar is the cause, a person will probably observe black pigmentation on the outside of the molars or the inside of the front teeth. Tartar will continue to build up the stain unless it is removed. In these cases, holes may look like the enamel deteriorates away.
What Stains Can Be Avoided?
People worried about developing black teeth should prevent putting specific things in their mouth.
They must likewise make sure to practice proper dental health after eating.
Also, they might want to avoid or minimize their use of some of the following:
- coffee
- soda pop
- black tea
- red wines
- tobacco items
Good dental hygiene can often protect versus the potential extrinsic causes of black teeth.
Treatment for Tooth that Turning Black
Dealing with black teeth at home is not usually possible. Numerous home lightening sets are readily available that might help with mild discoloration; however, black teeth usually need expert treatment.
A dental professional will take a look at the teeth to diagnose the underlying cause and will then figure out the right treatment.
What if Tartar Is the Cause?
A dental practitioner will require to get rid of the buildup when tartar is the cause. This is typically done by scraping the tartar off the teeth. The dental professional might need to use ultrasonic instruments that use vibration to break up the tartar and make it much easier to eliminate.
What if Decay Is the Cause?
In cases of decay, it is not likely that a dentist will have the ability to enhance the black teeth through a basic cleaning. They will instead require to eliminate the decayed portion of the tooth.
If the decay remains in one part of the tooth, the dental expert might be able to eliminate the affected portion and close the hole with a filling. If the decay has reached the 2nd layer of the tooth, however, the dental practitioner will eliminate all the decay and place a crown over the top of the tooth.
Often, the tooth may be too significantly harmed to recover with a crown or filling. The dentist may require to remove the entire tooth slightly.
Prevention tips
People can often avoid black teeth with proper oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommend:
brushing two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste
cleaning or flossing between the teeth a minimum of when a day
scheduling regular dental sees
avoiding sweet foods
Takeaway
A dental practitioner is the best resource to determine if black teeth are brought on by staining, tartar buildup, or decay. An individual will need expert assistance to treat the black teeth, no matter what the cause.
Practicing proper oral health can help prevent black teeth. As soon as get rid of, and with appropriate care, a person might never have black teeth again.
