Even if you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly, spots might still appear on your teeth. While certain forms of discoloration are harmless, a black or dark dot could be an indication of a more serious problem, such as tooth decay. You might be asking why your teeth are stained or discolored if they are, as well as what you can do to remove the discoloration.
In this post, we’ll discuss the reasons for these dark spots, how to remove them, and how to tell if you have a more significant problem.
Why does your tooth have a black or dark spot on it?
If a Sharpie pen hasn’t been near your mouth, that black dot can indicate that your tooth is at risk. The following are some of the most typical causes of a black or brown spot on your tooth:
A cavity or decay in a tooth
Damage to the tooth in question
Tooth tartar accumulation
Discoloration is brought on by consuming certain meals or beverages frequently, such as coffee, tea, and soda, or by using nicotine-containing items, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars
Discoloration brought on by childhood antibiotic usage, notably tetracycline;
Fluorosis is a condition brought on by consuming too much fluoride.
Health issues like celiac disease
What warning indicators indicate a cavity?
Plaque, a sticky substance, can form on your teeth if food and bacteria accumulate there. The acids in plaque can destroy the enamel on the surface of your teeth if plaque is allowed to accumulate. Cavities may arise as a result of this.
Cavity symptoms could include:
A stain or dark patch on your tooth
Hot and cold sensitivity in the tooth that is compromised
A toothache that does not go away
A crack or fissure in the teeth
Persistent sensitivity to sugary meals or beverages
Discomfort while eating
To stop more decay or issues, schedule a visit with a dentist as soon as you notice any of these signs. When decay is closer to the surface and doesn’t affect the tooth pulp or nerves, fillings are typically advised. The pulp inside your tooth may swell or infect if tooth decay progresses and enters the tooth’s soft core underneath the enamel layer. To remove the deterioration when this occurs, a root canal is frequently required.
Can you get rid of a dark spot?
You have a few options if you wish to remove a dark dot or spot on your teeth that aren’t the result of dental decay. Both at-home and in-office treatments can aid in the removal of the discoloration if a dark area is the result of staining.
Currently available options for removing tooth stains include:
Whitening strips or kits using peroxide as the active ingredient. Your teeth can be whitened and stains removed using both at-home and professional teeth whitening procedures.
Prophylaxis for teeth. During this in-office procedure, dental plaque and calculus are removed using a preventive paste (tartar). Your teeth’s surface stains may also be removed by the paste’s abrasives.
Pastes, powders, or liquids for teeth whitening. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-infused tooth-whitening paste will help get rid of plaque, food particles, and surface stains. Baking soda is the preferred abrasive for stain removal among the ingredients, which can also include peroxides.
Veneers. To cover up obstinate dark areas, some dentists may advise porcelain veneers or composite bonding. This alternative is more expensive.
How to prevent tooth stains from developing
There are things you can do to avoid staining and lower your risk of dental decay even though black patches on your teeth are not unusual.
Try some of these pieces of advice to keep your teeth in good health and at their best:
Maintain good oral health by using fluoride-whitening toothpaste and flossing at least twice daily. Aim to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes to get the best benefits. A mouthwash with components like eucalyptus oil, menthol, or alcohol is another option. Although these components can aid in eradicating oral and dental microorganisms, brushing and flossing should still be done regularly.
After ingesting foods and beverages including coffee, tea, soda, wine, red sauces, or chocolate that might leave stains on your teeth, brush your teeth soon away. To avoid the liquid touching your teeth, some dentists advise sipping coffee or other liquids that discolor teeth with a straw. Steer clear of nicotine-containing goods like cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Visit your dentist for a checkup and regular cleaning every six months. Discuss professional teeth-whitening procedures with your dentist, as well as any additional precautions you need to take to safeguard the health of your teeth.
In conclusion
Even if you frequently clean and floss your teeth, spots may still appear.
It’s normal for some meals and beverages to discolor, but this is usually nothing to worry about. A black dot or spot, however, can be a sign of dental decay. It’s crucial to follow up with your dentist if you discover a black or dark spot on your tooth. They can identify the root reason and give you options.
If tooth decay is the cause of the spot, your dentist might suggest a filling, root canal, or another procedure. Your dentist could suggest particular at-home or in-office procedures to get rid of the spot and make your teeth whiter if the dark area is the result of discoloration from certain meals, beverages, or nicotine products.