Even if you’re meticulous about brushing and flossing, you might still notice spots on your teeth. While some discolouration isn’t usually a cause for concern, a black or dark dot could indicate a more serious issue like tooth decay.
If you’re seeing these spots or discolouration, you’re probably wondering why they’re there and what you can do about them.
In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of these dark spots, how to tackle them, and when it might be a sign of something more serious.
What’s behind a black or dark dot on your tooth? Unless you’ve been using a Sharpie as lipstick, that dark dot might be a signal that your tooth needs attention.
Some of the common reasons for a black or brown spot on your tooth include:
- Tooth decay or a cavity
- Trauma to the affected tooth
- Buildup of tartar on the tooth
- Staining from frequent consumption of certain foods or drinks like tea, coffee, and soda, or from using nicotine products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars
- Discolouration due to childhood antibiotic use, particularly tetracycline
- Fluorosis, which results from excessive fluoride intake
- Medical conditions like celiac disease
What are the signs of a cavity? When food and bacteria accumulate on your teeth, they form plaque, a sticky substance.
If plaque is left to build up, the acids it contains can wear away the enamel on your teeth, leading to the formation of cavities.
Signs that you might have a cavity include:
- A dark spot or stain on your tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold in the affected tooth
- Persistent toothache
- A hole or pit in the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
- Pain while eating
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to make an appointment with your dentist promptly to prevent further decay or complications.
Fillings are typically recommended for cavities that are closer to the surface and haven’t reached the tooth pulp or nerves.
However, if tooth decay progresses and reaches the soft core beneath the enamel layer, known as the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. In such cases, a root canal may be necessary to clean out the decay.
Can you remove a dark spot? If you want to eliminate a dark dot or spot on your tooth, and it’s not caused by tooth decay, you have several options.
If staining is the culprit, both at-home and in-office treatments can help remove the discolouration.
According to a 2017 review, current options for dental stain removal include:
- Peroxide-based tooth bleaching kits or whitening strips, which can be used at home or administered by a professional to remove stains and brighten your teeth.
- Dental prophylaxis, an in-office procedure that employs a prophylactic paste to eliminate dental plaque and calculus (tartar). The abrasives in the paste can also help eliminate surface stains on your teeth.
- Tooth whitening pastes, powder, or liquids, which can be used twice daily to brush your teeth. These products often contain peroxides and baking soda, with the latter being a preferred abrasive for stain removal. Additionally, fluoride in these pastes aids in removing food debris, plaque, and surface stains.
- Veneers, which some dentists may recommend as a more expensive option to conceal stubborn dark spots. These may include porcelain veneers or composite bonding.
How to prevent dark spots on your teeth While dark spots on your teeth are common, there are measures you can take to prevent staining and reduce your risk of tooth decay.
To maintain healthy and radiant teeth, consider the following tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing with a whitening fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day. Aim to brush for a minimum of 2 minutes for best results. Additionally, consider using a mouthwash containing ingredients like alcohol, menthol, or eucalyptol, which can help kill bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth. However, mouthwash should complement, not replace, brushing and flossing.
- Brush your teeth immediately after consuming foods and drinks known to cause spots and stains, such as coffee, tea, soda, wine, red sauces, or chocolate.
- Some dentists suggest drinking coffee or other tooth-staining beverages through a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth.
- Avoid using nicotine products like cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, or cigars.
- Schedule a check-up and routine cleaning with your dentist every six months.
In conclusion, Even if you’re diligent about oral care, dark spots can still appear on your teeth.
While some discolouration from certain foods and drinks is normal, a black dot or spot could indicate tooth decay.
If you notice a black or dark spot on your tooth, it’s crucial to follow up with your dentist. They can determine the cause and recommend appropriate action.
If the spot is due to tooth decay, your dentist may suggest a filling, root canal, or another treatment. If it’s caused by staining, your dentist may recommend specific at-home or in-office treatments to remove the spot and brighten your teeth.