Black teeth can spoil a person’s smile and affect their self-confidence. Moreover, black teeth may be a symptom of a condition that requires treatment.
What causes teeth to turn black, and how can this problem be resolved?
What Gives Teeth Their Color?
Teeth are usually white, whitish-yellow, or whitish-gray in color. The white shade of teeth is provided by calcium, which is contained in the hard outer layer of the tooth known as enamel. However, teeth may contain combinations of other materials that can add shades of gray and yellow.
Over time, tooth enamel begins to thin, allowing another layer known as dentin to show through. This can make the teeth appear darker. Tooth enamel can also become stained externally.
Why Do Teeth Turn Black?
Tooth blackening is usually associated with one of two common causes: external or internal.
External causes include stains, tartar, or other damage affecting the tooth enamel.
Internal damage begins inside the tooth and progresses outward. A common example is tooth decay.
Tooth discoloration may begin as brown or gray spots on the teeth.
In other cases, black spots resembling pinpoint areas may appear on the upper part of the teeth, just below the gum line. This phenomenon is commonly seen in children.
Common locations for black tartar deposits include the inner surface of the lower front teeth and the outer surface of the molars.
As a rule, a tooth does not turn black overnight; it occurs over a period of time. Ideally, a person should visit a dentist before the damage becomes too severe.
Common Causes of Tooth Blackening
- Tooth decay caused by bacteria that destroy tooth enamel and leave small holes that appear dark.
- Dental restorations. Fillings and crowns containing amalgam, particularly silver sulfide, can cause teeth to appear black.
- Dental trauma.
- Staining. Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages such as tea and cola may lead to tooth discoloration.
- Taking certain medications.
- Dental tartar. Hardened plaque that can accumulate on teeth and usually forms below the gum line. Some forms of tartar are black.
- Tobacco. Smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly stain the teeth.
- Death of the tooth tissue (pulpitis). When a tooth dies, the blood supply that gives it its natural healthy color is lost. Since the tooth no longer receives the nutrients it needs, it begins to undergo necrosis, darken, deteriorate, and gradually turn black.
- Excessive fluoride levels in the body.
In most cases, blackened teeth require treatment, and in some cases, extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary.
However, in some parts of the world, black teeth are considered beautiful. Many years ago, women in countries such as Japan, Laos, and Vietnam dyed their teeth black. This practice is no longer popular, but some elderly women in these countries may still have black teeth.
How Are Black Teeth Treated?
A person usually cannot treat tooth blackening on their own, even with the best home care.
A dentist will examine your teeth, determine the underlying cause, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
If black tartar is the cause, the dentist may remove it using special instruments.
If tooth decay is diagnosed, the dentist may place a filling. If the decay has reached the dentin or the inner material beneath the enamel, a dental crown may be required.
Sometimes a tooth may be so damaged or decayed that it cannot be saved. In such cases, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction.
Severely stained black teeth may be treated with professional stain removal and teeth whitening procedures.
Some dentists may recommend veneers to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Black Teeth in Children
Black teeth in children are most commonly caused by tooth decay. In the early stages, white spots appear on the teeth and, over time, become dark brown.
In addition to looking unattractive, tooth decay poses a serious threat to a child’s future oral health.
It can lead to many dangerous complications.
A child’s tooth may also turn black as a result of trauma.
How to Prevent Dark Spots on Teeth
To keep your teeth healthy and looking their best, we recommend following these tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene and brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid nicotine products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars.
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations and professional dental cleanings.
Talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening and any additional measures you should take to protect the health of your teeth.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.