Black Spot on Tooth: What Does That Dark Spot Mean?

It is not uncommon for people, even regular brushers, to experience tooth discoloration. Drinking wine can turn your teeth purple, while caffeine can turn them yellow. These are not a cause for concern. However, if you have a black spot on tooth, that may indicate a deeper problem that needs to be addressed. Whatever the case may be, this article will give you all the information you need to know about what the spot is and what you can do about it.

Does a Black Spot on a Tooth Mean a Cavity?

Cavities can undoubtedly cause a black spot on tooth to form. Poor dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing can lead to food and bacteria building up on your teeth, which creates a substance called plaque. Left to its own devices, plaque eats away at your enamel and opens the door for cavities to form. From there, you may start to see a black dot on the tooth.

Why Do I Have a Black or Dark Spot on My Teeth?

There are several potential causes of black spots on teeth. So, don’t automatically think you have a cavity because you looked in the mirror one morning and noticed a black spot on your gums. Here are a few potential causes of your issue:

  • Tooth injury can result in a black spot on the tooth appearing.
  • Tartar buildup on the tooth in question.
  • A condition called fluorosis, caused by excessive fluoride intake may be responsible for a black dot on the tooth.
  • Staining can also be responsible for the discoloration of your teeth.

How Can I Avoid More Black Dots on My Teeth?Girl Using Floss Cleaning Teeth Standing Over Gray Background, Studio

If you are worried that your habits may cause more brown spots on your teeth, there are a few things you can do to make sure it never happens again. You need to promise yourself that you will commit to a stringent dental hygiene regimen and treat your teeth as you treat someone you love.

Brush and floss your teeth. The most basic advice is often the best advice. Every time you go to the dentist, they tell you repeatedly to brush and floss your teeth. They are not just saying that as a catchphrase. Brushing your teeth drastically reduces the chance of plaque buildup on your teeth. Flossing goes a step further by eliminating that possibility. And the whole process takes less than five minutes.

If you have the money and don’t want to commit to any dental hygiene plan, consider getting porcelain veneers. Veneers permanently bond to your teeth and act as a type of shell. If you go this route, you will protect your teeth, and you won’t find yourself searching “black spot on teeth how to remove” on the internet any time soon.

How Can I Get Rid of a Black Spot on my Molar Teeth?

The first thing you will want to do is visit your dentist to get an assessment by a professional. They will tell you what’s going on and what you need to do to fix the problem. Let’s go over some of the potential directions the dentist will take you.

If you have a cavity, you will be looking at some dental work. Typically, you will need to undergo procedures like fillings, root canals, or crowns. There is no need to worry about these as they are very common, and the success rate is exceptionally high.

Black marks on teeth caused by tartar are a bit different. Procedures such as dental prophylaxis or periodontal treatment may eliminate tartar buildup and aid with discoloration.

If, on the other hand, you don’t have a cavity, and the black stuff on teeth near gums is a result of staining, then teeth whitening will serve you well

The Bottom Line

If you notice a black dot on the tooth, you may have a severe issue. However, it could be something as simple as staining on your teeth. So do the responsible thing and book an appointment with your dentist. From there, they might tell you that you need to undergo a procedure to save your tooth or send you on your way. Either way, there are ample resources at your disposal to solve the problems you are experiencing with your teeth in this day and age.