Although dark spots do not always indicate a cavity—they may just be surface stains—you have no real way of knowing. If you spy a black or brown spot on a tooth, your first course of action should be to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. A hole in the tooth's protective layer sometimes shows as a black dot.
Stains: Sometimes stains and marks from tartar, coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco products can cause the appearance of black teeth. If you have any stains causing black teeth and your oral health is fine otherwise, you may be able to get rid of the stains yourself and not require further treatment.
It is not usually possible to get rid of black teeth at home. Home whitening kits may help with mild discoloration, but black teeth typically require professional treatment. A dentist will examine the teeth to diagnose the underlying cause and determine the right treatment.
While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.
Typically, if there is a dark spot on your tooth, chances are high that there is an invisible hole. A cavity presents itself with a brown, black or gray spot on your tooth. It is a perfect way on how to tell if you have a cavity. A stain, on the other hand, is a discoloration caused by drinks and food.
Spots on your tooth or teeth that are black, brown, or gray are a sign that a cavity is growing. However, there are many other symptoms that indicate it is a cavity rather than a stain: Visible holes in the teeth. If you notice a hole in your tooth, it's a cavity.
When plaque builds up on teeth and isn't properly removed it forms into a hard substance known as tartar. Initially, tartar above the gum line has a yellowish hue, however, if left untreated it will turn into green, brown or black tartar. Tartar below the gum line is black in color.
Black Stain Causes
Smoking tobacco and drinking coffee or tea can cause black teeth stains. Poor oral hygiene and inadequate brushing and flossing of teeth can also cause plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. This may lead to tooth decay which gives the illusion of black teeth.
Black spots on teeth can be caused by tartar buildup, aging, genetics, tobacco use, certain foods, antibiotics, fluorosis, and more. Cavities are different from staining and can be identified by changes to the tooth's surface. Most black spots from staining are not harmful, but should be checked by a dentist.
If you see a dark spot on any of your teeth (brown or black) you could have a cavity. You should especially watch for spots that grow in size. In some cases, the spots may even be a light, off-white color. If you see any discoloration on your teeth, always get it looked at by your dentist.
Dental X-rays: The use of dental x-rays detects any level of decay on or between teeth, whether small or large. Your dental team will take several images from different angles. Your dentist will then study the x-ray results and identify any discolorations which often result in a cavity diagnosis.
Tooth-Colored, Composite Resin Fillings
If the black spot on your tooth is, in fact, a sign of tooth decay or due to an injury to your tooth, then the cavity or injury needs to be treated. Treating the cavity also corrects the tooth discoloration.
Cavities don't develop overnight. It takes weeks, months, even years for a cavity to form. In fact, most cavities take around six months to five years to develop.
Enamel decay: Left untreated, tooth decay progresses and continues to break down your enamel. At this point, cavities (holes) may become noticeable. White spots may turn to a light brownish color. Dentin decay: Dentin is the layer just beneath your tooth enamel.
Plaque attacks.
This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — the first stage of cavities. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid.
Tartar may be removed at home with regular brushing and flossing or with a water flosser. Oil pulling — using coconut oil or olive oil — may also help remove tartar at home. These methods may be effective at removing tartar; however, a dentist can remove tartar in a more timely manner.
Black tartar can cause staining on the teeth, gum issues, and bad breath. Without treatment, black tartar can cause cavities and lead to gum disease. Black tartar needs to be initially treated by a dentist, as it is impossible to remove without a professional cleaning.
That bacteria creates black plaque on teeth. It's possible to remove it with flossing and brushing.
So, Can I Remove Tartar At Home? It's highly recommended that you avoid attempting tartar removal at home. Doing so can damage your toothbrush, but also there's a danger of damaging your enamel.
Extraction is usually necessary when the decay is too pervasive to stop and/or the gums are too infected to offer support and structure to your teeth. In these cases all the affected teeth will have to be extracted. If this happens to you, it is crucial that you don't just leave the empty spot alone.