Are black stains on your teeth dangerous? Find out the causes and solutions

Black stains on teeth can develop despite regular oral hygiene practices. These stains occur for different reasons. Some result from improper oral care and decay, while lifestyle habits or dietary choices cause others. Understanding the causes is essential for taking proactive measures and treating black stains. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Causes of Black Stains on Teeth

• It is uncommon for a tooth to change from white to black rapidly. Typically, some signs appear before teeth turn black. You may feel increased tooth sensitivity and discomfort while eating or drinking. This usually occurs before discoloration, followed by small black dots, often near the gum line, particularly in children.

Here are the common causes of black stains on teeth:

Unhealthy Habits

• Black stains on teeth often stem from habits like smoking tobacco or consuming beverages such as coffee or tea, which can stain tooth enamel. Additionally, inadequate oral hygiene practices, including infrequent brushing and flossing, contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to tooth decay, which may appear as darkened areas on the teeth.

Chromogenic Bacteria

• It often appears as a thin black line near the gum line and can contribute to teeth staining. Additionally, old dental restorations and fillings may develop dark stains along their margins due to tooth decay.

Aging

• As people age, the enamel wears down and becomes thinner, leading to tooth discoloration. Aging also increases the thickness of dentin, contributing to a yellowish or stained appearance.

Metallic Dental Materials

• Certain metallic dental materials like amalgam can cause amalgam blues, where the underlying metallic color shows through the translucent enamel, darkening the tooth.

Use of Antibiotics

• Consuming antibiotics such as tetracycline during tooth development can lead to blackened teeth. Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, fluorosis, or dentinogenesis imperfecta can affect enamel and dentin formation, resulting in stained teeth.

Dental Trauma

• In cases where a single tooth is stained, previous dental trauma or root canal treatment may have caused the tooth’s pulp tissue to bleed into the dentin, resulting in discoloration.

Old Fillings

• Over time, old fillings may lose their proper adherence to the tooth surface. This can create cracks where bacteria and plaque accumulate, forming brown lines along the margins. As bacteria penetrate deeper into the tooth, decay can develop beneath the fillings, resulting in a grey or shadowy appearance with dark stains.

Non-Vital Tooth

• If you’ve undergone root canal treatment, your tooth is considered non-vital. Non-vital teeth often develop stains due to internal pathological processes.

Types of Tooth Stains

There are two main types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains affect the tooth enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, and are caused by factors such as:

• Smoking or tobacco use.
• Regular consumption of colored beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Inadequate dental hygiene leads to the buildup of yellow or black tartar.
• Taking liquid iron supplements orally.
• Prolonged use of chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains affect the deeper layers of teeth, such as dentin, or occur due to abnormalities during tooth structure formation. Common causes include:

• Fluorosis, which results in white or brown spots on the tooth surface due to excessive fluoride intake during the development of children’s teeth.
• Prescription of certain medications, like tetracycline, to young children, before their tooth development is complete.
• A tooth that has become non-vital (dead) due to trauma.
• Congenital diseases such as cystic fibrosis

Treating Black Stains on Teeth

• Treatment options generally vary based on the type of stain. It’s better to consult a dental professional who can accurately identify the cause and recommend the most suitable treatment option.

Treatment for Extrinsic Stains

• Extrinsic stains on teeth are treated through a routine scaling and polishing procedure performed by a dental professional. During the procedure, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove black stains from the tooth surface using ultrasonic vibrations that break apart tartar and stain deposits. After this, polishing is done to smooth the tooth surface.

Despite scaling and polishing, stains may reappear over time, especially due to lifestyle habits such as smoking, tobacco use, or frequent coffee and wine consumption. To prolong the whiteness of your teeth, consider modifying these habits. Quit smoking, use a straw for colored beverages, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to maintain brighter teeth for a longer duration.

Treatment for Intrinsic Stains

• Intrinsic stains affect the inner dentin of the teeth, making them more persistent and challenging to remove. There are two main treatment options: in-office whitening and take-home kits. Both methods involve the use of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, which penetrate deep into the tooth layers to break down the black stains into smaller pigments, resulting in a whiter appearance.

Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and products are also available, but they contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents compared to those used in dental offices. In cases of severe intrinsic staining, such as fluorosis or tetracycline stains, traditional teeth whitening may not conceal brown spots or blackened teeth. In such instances, dentists may recommend alternative solutions like veneers or dental crowns to cover the stained teeth effectively.

Other treatment options include:

Tooth Whitening Strips

• Tooth whitening strips offer a convenient at-home method for brightening your smile. These strips come with a pre-applied whitening gel. Adhere the strips to your teeth, allowing the gel to bleach away stains.

Whitening Pens

• Whitening pens are a convenient and portable option for brightening your teeth. They contain a bleaching gel that you brush onto your teeth in a thin layer, making them ideal for people on the go. These pens fit easily in purses, pockets, and backpacks, allowing for quick touch-ups anytime, anywhere.

Prevention and Remedies for Black Stains

• After undergoing treatment to remove black stains, it’s crucial to maintain your bright smile and overall oral health.

Here are some tips for preventing future black stains and ensuring good oral hygiene:

• Regularly inspect and examine your teeth for any signs of staining or dental issues.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent stains.
• Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental brush to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to maintain optimal oral health.
• Consume foods and beverages with low sugar content to reduce the risk of tooth decay and staining.

Preventing tooth staining is a gradual process that requires consistent oral hygiene practices. By adopting these habits, you can effectively prevent black stains and maintain a healthy, white smile for years.

Contact Icon Dental Center today for teeth whitening treatment. We are one of the best dental professionals operating in Everett and Seattle. Call us today at (206) 225-2882, and let us help you smile with greater confidence.