Seeing dark spots on your teeth can be alarming, and you’re probably wondering what they are. You might think they’re cavities, but that’s not always the case. There are many reasons why you might have those spots.
Here, we’ll help you figure out what those spots are. You’ll learn the difference between stains and cavities. You’ll also learn the common causes of these spots, like what you eat and drink, and other less common causes, like some medicines or your family history.
At New Leaf Rohnert Park, we understand how concerning a new spot on your teeth can be. When little black spots on teeth appear, our team is here to help answer questions and provide treatment if necessary. We’ll go over how to find out what’s causing your spots and what you can do to fix them. Let’s take a closer look.
Key Takeaways
- Dark spots aren’t always cavities; drinks like coffee and tea, aging, and some medicines can also cause them.
- You can tell stains from cavities because stains are smooth, and cavities often feel rough or cause pain.
- Dentists can figure out what’s causing the spots by looking closely and sometimes using X-rays.
- Treatments like teeth cleaning, whitening, or veneers can help remove or cover dark spots.
- Brushing, flossing, and limiting staining foods and drinks can help prevent new dark spots from showing up.
Why do my teeth have black spots?
Dark spots on your teeth can make you worry. Are they cavities? Maybe not. Many things can cause dark spots on your teeth and these are not always from tooth decay.
- Tartar buildup: Some people have higher levels of calcium in their saliva. This is good for your teeth as it prevents decay but can also cause a dark discoloration of tartar. This can often cause black stains along the gumline on the tooth’s surface.
- Tannins from drinks: Tannins are a natural substance found in plants and are common in beverages such as tea, coffee, and wine. These tannins can contribute to dark spots on the surface of your teeth.
- Aging and genetics: Over time, your enamel thins, revealing the darker dentin underneath. As you age, hormonal changes can also alter these, increasing the risk of tooth staining.
- Tobacco: Tar and nicotine in tobacco products (whether you are smoking or chewing) can cause stubborn, dark stains.
- Certain foods: Foods high in color, such as blueberries, can contribute to tooth discoloration.
- Certain antibiotics: Medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline, can contribute to tooth discoloration.
- Fluorosis: An overexposure to fluoride during the first years of life can contribute to a discoloration of adult teeth when they come in, ranging in color from yellow to dark brown.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease can contribute to problems with the dental enamel, resulting in discoloration that can cause white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth.
- Previous dental work: Oftentimes, the metal used in previous dental work, such as fillings, can transfer color to the tooth.
- Dental trauma: Trauma to a tooth can cause discoloration to occur.
Difference between black stains and cavities
How can you tell if those black spots are just stains or something more? Cavities often feel soft or rough. Stains are usually smooth and on the surface.
Cavities also have some telltale signs. You might feel pain or sensitivity. You could see holes in your teeth and sometimes, food gets stuck in a certain spot.
Extrinsic Stains
Things from outside your body can stain your teeth. This is called an extrinsic stain. Coffee, tea, and red wine are common causes. Smoking and some foods can also stain. These stains stick to the outside of your teeth and can look like dark spots.
Intrinsic Stains
Things from inside your body can also change the color of your teeth. This is an intrinsic stain. Some medicines, like tetracycline, can cause these. Too much fluoride, tooth injuries, and root canals can also change the color of your teeth from the inside. These stains are part of the tooth itself and can also appear as dark spots.
Are black spots on teeth harmful?
In most cases, black spots due to staining are not harmful to your teeth, but it is always a good idea to have any new spots checked just in case they are covering areas of damage to your tooth’s enamel. If there is damage, your dentist can address this before it allows for the development of a cavity.
Identifying the Cause of Your Dark Spots
What’s causing those dark spots? You need a dentist to tell you for sure. They have the right tools and training to differentiate simple stains and more serious issues.
During an exam, they’ll look closely. Color, location, texture – all these things matter. Sometimes, X-rays are necessary. X-rays show what’s happening inside your teeth, revealing problems you can’t see.
By checking the texture and location, and by asking about your habits and health, your dentist can pinpoint the cause. Is it from food? Medicine? Something else entirely? They’ll help you find out.
Treatment Options for Dark Spots (Non-Cavity Related)
Dark spots don’t have to be permanent. There are ways to treat them. The right treatment depends on what’s causing the spots. Here are some options:
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings help remove buildup that can contribute to potential dark spots and discoloration. If you experience regular staining, talk with your dentist about more frequent dental cleanings. It also allows your dental team to spot any potential dental concerns, such as cavity development.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening works well for some surface stains. It can lighten stains from food and drinks. Over-the-counter whitening products include whitening toothpaste, whitening gels, whitening strips, and more that can help you keep your smile stain-free. Ask your dentist which products they recommend.
In cases where at-home whitening treatments are not enough, professional whitening treatments offered by your dentist can provide a faster and more efficient method for teeth whitening.
Microabrasion
This technique removes very thin layers of enamel. It helps get rid of stains on the surface. It’s good for some types of fluorosis or other surface spots.
Porcelain Veneers or Crowns
These options cover the front of your teeth. They can hide intrinsic stains or damaged teeth. They give you a new, white surface.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin. It covers small spots or chips. It’s a quick way to improve the look of your teeth.
Gum Treatment (for Amalgam Tattoos)
Amalgam tattoos are dark spots on your gums. They happen when tiny pieces of silver fillings get stuck in the gum tissue. A dentist can remove the stained tissue. They can also cover the area with gum grafts.
Internal Bleaching (for Trauma)
Sometimes, a tooth injury causes internal bleeding. This can make the tooth look dark. Internal bleaching can help lighten the tooth from the inside.
How to prevent black spots on your teeth?
The best way to prevent black spots, whether by staining or cavities, is to follow a good oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, the following tips can also help you reduce your risk of dental staining:
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products
- Rinse your mouth or brush teeth after eating or drinking foods and beverages high in coloration, sugars, and tannins
- Drink beverages high in tannins (wine, tea, coffee) or other sugary beverages with a straw to avoid contact with your teeth
- Attend regular dental cleanings
- Increase the intake of foods that can help prevent staining, including leafy greens, cheeses, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, foods high in antioxidants, nuts, and whole grains and cereals
Brighten Your Smile Today!
Dark spots on your teeth can be concerning, but understanding their causes and available treatments can bring peace of mind. Remember, not all dark spots are cavities. Many factors, from your daily coffee to certain medications, can contribute to discoloration. Knowing the difference between stains and cavities is the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.
If you’re noticing dark spots and want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out. At New Leaf Rohnert Park, we’re here to help you understand and address any concerns about your dental health. Our team can provide dental exams, professional cleaning, whitening treatments, and other solutions to restore your smile.
Ready to take the next step? Request an appointment today or call us at (707) 586-1549. Let us help you achieve a confident and healthy smile.
