What Causes a Dark Spot on Teeth?
Gosh! That little black mole underneath your nose looks amazing! But hey, what’s that dark spot on your tooth?
Well, I know answering such kind of questions about the dark spot on your tooth can be frustrating for you. However, you know what? Sometimes regardless of your constant care for your teeth, a dark spot (black or brown) still has to occur somehow just like your white shirt/pants which you wear the whole day and protect from any dirt and spots to occur but ah, somehow, eventually you end up having a little spot on it unwantedly.
Anyways, so did you ever think of the occurrence of this irritating dark spot on your teeth? I mean there must be some causes, no?
So let’s understand the causes of dark spots on teeth and if they are subject to being cornered worried about or not.
Causes of Dark Spot:
First of all, let me tell you that some teeth discoloration and spots on the teeth are perfectly fine and healthy. However, according to the professional dentist, dark black or brown spots on the teeth can be a concern to be worried about as they may lead to some severe health issues.
Now let’s talk about the causes of this dark sport.
1. Tooth Decay:
One of the usual reasons for the occurrence of black spots on the teeth is tooth decay. And if we consider most of the cases of tooth decay, majorly what we found is accumulated bacteria of plaque(tartar), which keeps on multiplying and causes tooth decay. The bacteria of plaque and tartar enable the starchy and sugary foods to stick and steal in between the teeth. If plaque is not identified and addressed at the earliest stage, it may cause severe dental damage, such as it can emerge dental caries at the tooth enamel. And these dental caries can visually look like a small dark spot on the tooth.
2. Bad Oral Hygiene:
Bad dental hygiene can cause plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth by not flossing and brushing on a routine basis This accumulation may eventually result in dark patches on the teeth.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Consumption:
Smoking and the ingestion of tobacco-related items can discolor teeth. The chemicals in tobacco can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of discoloration.
4. Food and Drink:
Several foods and beverages, including dark-colored fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, and red wine, and these foods and drinks can stain teeth. These foods and beverages’ pigments may adhere to the enamel and result in dark spots.
5. Hypertension:
A blow to the mouth or hypertension or trauma to the teeth might result in dark stains. This is so that internal bleeding and discoloration don’t result from damage to the blood vessels in the tooth caused by trauma.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay & Dark Spots on the Tooth:
- Persistent toothache
- Sensitive Tooth
- Dental caries
- Bad breathing
- Tooth discolouration
How to Get Rid of This Dark Spot on the Teeth?
1) Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a non-invasive cure for cavities that kills plaque bacteria and prevents them from multiplying immediately in an effective manner. Although, we do not implement this treatment on our adult patients as it may lead to teeth discolouration too. Nevertheless, we can utilize this treatment on particular children who have cavities fostered in their baby teeth when they are unable to
2) Fluorosis
Too much fluoride intake during the formative years of teeth development in childhood can lead to the condition known as fluorosis. It might happen as a consequence of taking fluoride-containing vitamin supplements, ingesting excessive amounts of toothpaste, or drinking fluoridated water. Fluorosis can result in tooth discolouration that shows up as white or dark patches on the teeth.
3) Cosmetic Procedures for Discolored Teeth
When the staining is entirely aesthetic and does not endanger the health of your teeth, you have access to a number of cosmetic treatment alternatives for eradicating the problem. These consist of:
- Professional whitening techniques for your teeth
- Dental prophylaxis or using an abrasive to clean teeth
- Teeth whitening kits for use at home
Our professional dentists can surely assist you in choosing the best cosmetic procedure to address your tooth discolouration to enhance the appearance of your smile based on the type of stain and its size that is workable for you.
Conclusion
It is important to pay attention to any black patches on your teeth since they may point to a larger dental issue. You may avoid and treat black spots on the teeth and keep a healthy, radiant smile by maintaining proper oral hygiene, reducing staining foods and beverages, giving up smoking and tobacco usage, and scheduling routine dental visits.
Ready to Consult Our Expert Dentist?
If you notice any of the above symptoms of dark stains on the teeth, please do not wait till it’s too late and lead to severe dental issues. Book your appointment now and get your entire oral check-up now and get rid of the unwanted dark spots on the teeth.