“Three of my teeth recently turned black in color and I don’t know what to do. This is embarrassing and I need to have a nice smile for my job. Are my teeth dead? What should I do.” J. Castillo – Northwest Side, San Antonio.
Our teeth get all kinds of wear and tear every day. If you think about the different foods and drinks we consume, and the acids and the sugars in those foods and drinks, then you can probably envision why your natural, winning smile has a finite shelf life. Sometimes what you eat contributes to a disturbing discoloration of your teeth, leading to dental decay and causing them to turn black.
What Are You Consuming? (Tooth Decay)
It is a part of life. Food and drinks wear away your tooth enamel, but some do far more far more damage. These substances can cause surface stains, which are discolorations that occur on the outer layer of the tooth. If enamel erosion occurs in your mouth, the dentin of your teeth may be exposed, which is the tissue beneath the enamel. The dentin is yellow in color.
Your teeth may turn black if you put things in your mouth that are dark in color. Heavy coffee drinkers or tobacco users usually experience teeth stains. But for tobacco users, the the color of your teeth is somewhat inconsequential compared to the other mouth problems that come along with years or smoking.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a significant contributor to the development of black teeth. When you neglect to brush and floss regularly, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—begins to accumulate on your teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can cause your teeth to darken and turn black. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial in preventing this buildup and maintaining good oral hygiene. By brushing twice a day and flossing daily, you can help prevent black teeth and keep your smile bright and healthy.
Tooth Decay And Black Teeth
Tooth decay is a primary cause of black teeth, as it can lead to the destruction of tooth enamel and dentin. When tooth decay progresses, it creates an environment where bacteria and debris accumulate, causing the affected tooth to turn black. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential in detecting tooth decay early on, preventing it from advancing to the point of causing black teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can also help prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth looking their best.
Types Of Tooth Staining
There are two main types of tooth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining occurs on the surface of the tooth and is often caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco. This type of staining can usually be addressed with professional teeth whitening treatments. Intrinsic staining, on the other hand, occurs within the tooth and can be caused by tooth decay, pulp necrosis, or old dental work. Understanding the type of staining you have is essential in determining the best course of treatment for black teeth. Consulting with a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find the most effective solution.
Dental Trauma And Black Teeth
Dental trauma can cause a tooth to turn black due to damage to the tooth pulp. When a tooth experiences trauma, the pulp can become damaged, leading to the death of the pulp tissue. This dead pulp can cause the tooth to turn black, and in some cases, may require a root canal treatment to remove the dead tissue and prevent further damage. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or other high-risk activities can help prevent dental trauma and reduce the risk of black teeth.
Pulp Necrosis And Black Teeth
Pulp necrosis, or the death of the tooth pulp, can cause a tooth to turn black. This condition can be caused by tooth decay, dental trauma, or repeated dental procedures. When the pulp dies, it can release iron and other compounds that stain the dentin, leading to a blackened tooth. A root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the dead pulp tissue and prevent further damage. If you suspect pulp necrosis, it’s important to seek dental care promptly to address the issue and maintain your dental health.
Old Dental Work And Black Teeth
Old dental work, such as fillings or crowns, can cause a tooth to turn black over time. The materials used in old dental work can discolor or tarnish, leading to a black appearance. Replacing old dental work with new restorations can help restore the natural color of the tooth and improve your overall smile. Regular dental check-ups can help identify old dental work that may be contributing to black teeth, allowing you to address the issue before it worsens.
By understanding the various causes of black teeth and taking proactive steps to maintain good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile healthy and bright. If you notice any changes in the color of your teeth, it’s important to consult with a dental professional to determine the cause and find the best treatment options.
Poor Oral Hygiene Vs Good Oral Hygiene
Dr. Jason Kboudi at Advanced Smile Care points to another common culprit of tooth discoloration: tartar. Maintaining good oral health is essential to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that can lead to black teeth.
“When a patient does not take care of their mouth, it leads to a build up of plaque and eventually tartar forms on their teeth. The color of tartar can be dark or black. We see tartar form along the gum line and it is difficult to remove unless you seek the help of a dental professional,” said Dr. Jason Kboudi, Advanced Smile Care.
Plaque is a sticky film in your mouth that contains bacteria. It develops from eating or drinking and not maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits. As Dr. Kboudi explains, if a person does not brush or floss their teeth, that film of plaque gets hard and turns into tartar. Besides the unsightly color, you may be experiencing swelling or bleeding of the gums. This condition opens the door for gum disease.
A Problem From The Inside Out: Underlying Dental Problems
A dark or black tooth could be a sign of a dead nerve. A dark or black tooth could be a sign of underlying dental problems that need immediate attention. This means there is no access to blood flow in your teeth. That causes a slew of other health problems. You could experience an infection which spreads to other teeth or other parts of your body. Advanced Smile Care has a previous blog post detailing the symptoms and treatment of a dead tooth.
“If you’re ever unsure about the source of a black tooth or several teeth, stop by our dental practice to get it checked out immediately,” said Dr. Kboudi.
Contact Us Today To Book An Appointment
At Advanced Smile Care, we understand that a black tooth can be both concerning and embarrassing. Whether it’s due to decay, trauma, or old dental work, we’re here to help you identify the cause and restore your smile. Our team combines decades of experience with the latest dental technology to provide effective solutions tailored to your unique needs. From professional cleanings to advanced restorative treatments, we’ll work with you to address the issue and prevent further complications.
Don’t let tooth discoloration affect your confidence or health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore your options for a brighter, healthier smile. Call (210)-366-3606 or reach out through our contact page.
