With proper oral hygiene, our teeth could last a lifetime. And according to dentists, a beautiful smile is equivalent to good dental health. But what if you wake up one day with black spots on teeth that aren’t cavities? You are probably wondering what caused the dark spot and how to get rid of it. Fret not because we will discuss the reasons why dark spots on your teeth occurred and the treatment you can do to resolve this discoloration. You can also find useful tips at https://sandstonepointdental.com.au.
Black Spots on Your Teeth
So what exactly are these dark spots, and why do you have them? Apart from cavities, people also think that these are normal tooth discoloration due to colored foods and beverages. But the truth is, dark spots appear due to tartar buildup, also known as dental calculus. This happens when the minerals in the saliva were absorbed by the teeth plaque and result in becoming fossilized. While diligent brushing and cleaning might help, professional dental procedures can remove the dark spot on your tooth instantly.
Common causes of brown or dark spots:
- Fluorosis. This is the excessive intake of fluoride. This usually causes brown spots on the teeth’ surface. Kids are more vulnerable to this discoloration problem than adults.
- Cavities/tooth decay. Once your teeth start to show signs of stains accompanied by sensitivity, it usually indicates that a severe oral problem is about to arise, such as decay.
- Aging. As much as we hate to admit it, many dental problems do take place with age. And the older we get, the more stains our teeth accumulate as well.
- Celiac Disease. This medical condition hinders the teeth from developing the enamel correctly. As a result, the teeth become prone to staining with colored drinks and foods.
It’s important to note that teeth stains are not always an indicator of cavities. Sometimes, they are just on the surface and can be removed by brushing and flossing. If you spot a dark or black spot on your teeth, it would be better to give your dentist a call or visit to know what to do.
Dark Spots Due to Tartar
The bigger question here is, should you worry? Your dentist may be the only person who can tell for sure if your case is severe or not. But in most cases, the yellow, dark, and black spots are often not permanent and can be removed by professional cleaning.
However, the spots might get worse if left neglected. According to dental health professionals, this puts the teeth at risk of a cavity, as the tartar does not protect the teeth in any way.
Black tartar is commonly seen in children. But fortunately for them, their baby teeth are meant to fall out and be replaced by their permanent teeth eventually. However, adults develop staining on a tooth because of the high levels of calcium in their saliva. The calcium technically activates the tartar to get elements that stain the teeth. On the other note, calcium helps in neutralizing acids in the mouth.
Teeth Stains and Iron Supplements
Supplements such as liquid iron could also turn tartar to black color. The staining takes place due to the prevalence of Actinomyces. These oral bacteria do not cause cavities per se, but instead, it demineralizes the tooth enamel.
Yet, Actinomyces can also damage the tooth root and begin cavities from there. The bacteria can easily penetrate the root, so once you notice your gum slowly receding, this might be one of the causes to consider.
How to Prevent Black Spots
The best way to protect your teeth from any damages, staining, or decay is by practicing good oral hygiene. The dental team of Our Dental Care Drummoyne promotes simple habits such as toothbrushing twice a day, flossing, and a healthy diet.
Moreover, giving your dentist a visit for teeth whitening or cleaning procedures might help you a lot. Be sure to use oral products that are good for the teeth and rinse your mouth regularly.
In addition, avoid excessive tobacco use, if possible, stop the unhealthy habit early on. You may also opt to research for the most dark-colored food products that cause the teeth to stain so you can minimize their consumption.
Follow these tips to ensure that your pearly whites stay healthy:
- Brush with whitening fluoride toothpaste
- Seek dental treatment if necessary
- Use straw in drinking beverages such as soda, coffee, and wine
- Visit your dentist twice a year
- Consider whitening treatment, if needed
How to Remove Dark Spots?
If the stains are not due to cavities or tooth decay, there are several options for your to restore your natural smile, such as:
Cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist might recommend cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers and whitening procedures.
- Bleaching or whitening kits. These products can be bought over-the-counter. In the comfort of your own home, you can whiten your teeth and remove stains easily.
Overall, even though you care for your oral health diligently, brown, yellow, and black spots could still appear. Cases of discoloration do not necessarily mean foods are always the culprit to blame. The stain could be a sign of decay as well. If that’s the case, your dentist might recommend tooth replacement options like dental implants to restore your smile. Check out this link if you’re interested in knowing how much it will cost you to get your dental implants.
To be certain, check your condition with your dentist. They can diagnose the cause of the stains and provide the best possible solutions for you.
References:
What’s the Cause of That Dark Spot on Your Tooth? (https://www.healthline.com/health/black-dot-on-tooth)
Why do I have a dark spot on my tooth? (https://dentaldepot.net/why-do-i-have-a-dark-spot-on-my-tooth/)
Do Black Stains Protect Your Teeth from Cavities? (https://www.irvinedentalcare.com/blog/do-black-stains-protect-your-teeth-from-cavities/)
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