by Malavi Sivakanesan • 22 January 2025 • 5 min read
Teeth owe their colour to the high amount of calcium found in the outer layer of the teeth, known as the enamel. Over time, exposure to certain foods, drinks, and habits can cause discolouration, leading to yellow or grey teeth. However, when a tooth is black and hurts, it may signal a more serious issue that requires attention. If you are facing such a problem, it is normal to wonder what is the reason for black gums and teeth. There can be multiple causes for this condition, ranging from poor oral hygiene to underlying health issues. Read on to learn about these causes in detail and find out effective ways to prevent and manage them.
Some Common Black Teeth Causes
Black teeth are an indicator of serious oral problems, and understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. So here are a few common black teeth causes
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Tooth Decay and Cavities: Tooth decay and cavities are the most frequent causes of black teeth. This occurs when bacteria wear down the enamel, resulting in cavities. Then, the cavity results in the blackening of your tooth.
Poor Oral Care: Overbrushing and hard brushing result in improper cleaning and even damage your enamel and gums, promoting plaque and tartar buildup. Not flossing can also result in the same. This may lead to decay and, eventually, a greyish or blackish appearance of your teeth.
Tartar Buildup: The minerals that are present in saliva form a hard deposit called tartar surrounding the gums. If the tartar buildup is left untreated, it could stain your tooth, leading to severe tooth decay and black teeth.
Fluorosis: Fluorosis is a condition that occurs when you consume excessive fluoride, whether through water supply or diet. When it gets accumulated in your body, it contributes to mottling or white patches. If left untreated, it gives black spots on teeth.
Certain Food Intake: Some foods and drinks can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and certain berries. These contain pigments and acids that stick to the enamel. Sugary and acidic foods can also cause tartar buildup, weaken the enamel, and lead to tooth decay. Over time, this can result in black stains on the teeth.
Use of Tobacco: Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco are the major cause of black teeth in adults. Tobacco products contain chemicals like tar and nicotine, which cause plaque buildup, tooth discolouration, and black staining of teeth.
Medical Drugs and Treatments: Medications like antibiotics and liquid iron supplements may form dark stains on the teeth. For instance, tetracycline is an antibiotic that binds to calcium particles in the saliva and results in tooth discolouration.
Trauma and Injury: Dental trauma like chipping or cracking weakens the pulp of your tooth. These injuries prevent the blood flow to the tooth, leading to pulpal necrosis and black teeth.
Ageing: Ageing is a natural cause that weakens your enamel and leads to dentin disorder. This potential cause swiftly blackens your teeth in conjunction with poor oral care and poor eating habits.
How to Prevent Black Teeth?
It is always sensible to maintain proper oral care to prevent dental issues such as black teeth. So, here’s what you can do to prevent it from occurring
Proper Brushing and Flossing
Proper oral care is critical to good dental hygiene and a long-lasting smile. Brushing twice daily and flossing after every meal keeps your teeth and gums clean and healthy. This oral care helps in preventing plaque, tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum diseases, freshens breath, and supports long-term oral health.
Follow Gum Care
Gums are as important as teeth, and improper gum care can lead to major dental issues like gingivitis and periodontitis. Brushing your gums gently along with your teeth is essential to keeping them healthy and avoiding serious problems. In some cases, neglecting gum health can lead to noticeable changes, such as discolouration. If you’re wondering what it means when gums are black, it’s worth understanding the potential causes and solutions. Learn more in our detailed guide: What Does It Mean When Gums Are Black?.
Use Mouthwash Often
Black teeth in adults are primarily caused by food stains and the buildup of plaque and tartar. So, using a whitening mouthwash can help lessen the darker appearance around your teeth. They kill the microorganisms that contribute to tartar build, have whitening properties, and clean areas that are difficult to reach while brushing.
Treatment Options for Black Teeth
Black teeth are unappealing and need immediate medical attention. So here are a few black teeth treatment options you should be aware of
Teeth Bonding
Teeth bonding is ideal for surface-level stain and discolouration. This method uses tooth-coloured resin to mask the affected area of your tooth. Moreover, tooth bonding for gaps also results in an improved appearance.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains that regular brushing and flossing cannot address. The process includes scaling, polishing, and sometimes fluoride treatment to protect the teeth and get rid of black teeth.
To learn more about what Professional teeth cleaning Involves, read here.
Laser Whitening Treatment
Laser whitening treatment uses laser light and a special whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to remove stubborn stains. This procedure provides a quicker, more visible, and lasting result.
Dental Restorations: Fillings and Crowns
Dental fillings and crowns are usually recommended to treat black teeth caused by cavities or tooth decay. Fillings are used to repair the affected area of tooth decay, while dental crowns cover the severely damaged teeth. They both help in restoring their function and improve your overall appearance.
Tooth Removal and Replacement
Tooth extraction and replacement are done when you have severe black teeth. The damaged black tooth is extracted and then replaced with dental implants, bridges, and a denture. This method restores functionality and maintains dental health.
Get an Appointment to Treat Black Teeth
Black teeth could occur due to various reasons, and some preventive tips and lifestyle changes can be helpful. However, in severe cases, if left untreated, you may risk losing your teeth or developing gum diseases. So, don’t take the risk- get an appointment with Complete Smiles today.
They offer free consultations for selected treatments, are one of London’s best implant providers, and are highly rated on Google Reviews. With a friendly team that cares for even the most nervous patients, you can trust them to restore your smile and maintain your oral health effectively.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.