Why Are My Teeth Black?
Are you wondering, “Why are my teeth black?” Whether the dark spots are due to dental caries, tobacco use, old fillings, or fluoride, the answer is likely in your mouth.
Read on to discover what may be causing your teeth to turn black and how to prevent them from coming back.
Or, if you are suffering from a recurrence, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Tobacco use
Smoking cigarettes or tobacco products have a number of negative effects, including stains on the teeth.
It also erodes the protective layer of the mouth’s teeth known as enamel. In addition, tobacco causes the formation of tartar and excess plaque, which trap colored pigments from foods and drinks.
When this happens, the affected teeth will appear black or grey.
Tobacco use can also lead to the development of mouth cancer, which is highly harmful to the health of the mouth.
Old fillings
Your old fillings are deteriorating. These fillings are made of metal alloys, which can range from silver to copper to mercury.
As the metal oxidizes, it turns black, leaving your teeth vulnerable to infection and further decay.
If you notice the fillings are starting to show signs of wear, they may need to be replaced.
Regular exams will allow your dentist to detect decay and identify the cause of the blackness.
Medications
Some medications, like iron supplements, can lead to tooth discoloration.
Other common culprits include antimalarial medications, copper salts, and chlorhexidine, a mouthwash used to treat oral candidiasis.
Antiseptic mouthwashes are another common culprit, but they can also cause brown stains on your teeth.
Consult your doctor for other options, such as tooth-whitening procedures.
Did you know that high levels of fluoride can discolor your teeth? It’s a major public health concern, but it’s not an out-of-control problem anymore.
The good news is that there’s a way to protect yourself from this problem.
The following are some ways to reduce your exposure to fluoride.
You should also brush only with fluoridated toothpaste and avoid over-the-counter products containing this chemical.
Dental decay
Black teeth can result from dental decay. This decay begins on the inside of the tooth and spreads toward the surface. The black color of the teeth first appears in spots and gradually covers the entire tooth.
It is uncommon for the color of the teeth to go from a whitish hue to black.
However, you may notice other symptoms before the color of your teeth changes.
You may notice increased sensitivity or small black dots near the gum line.
Plaque
If you’ve noticed that your teeth have a dark brown or black appearance, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Black teeth can be painful, and if they’re left untreated, they can progress to more serious problems below the gum line.
Preventing black teeth is as simple as maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine.
Educate your children about good oral hygiene practices and you can help them prevent this problem.
Extrinsic stains
There are two types of stains – extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are those that are embedded within the tooth structure.
Intrinsic stains develop from the accumulation of chromogenic substances on the external tooth surface, such as coffee or red wine.
Neither type of stain can be lightened by chemical bleaching.
But there are several ways to reduce or eliminate these stains, including regular dental cleanings and various teeth whitening products.
