Black marks or lines on teeth can develop gradually for some people or appear suddenly for others. These dark spots or lines may be purely cosmetic, or they may signal changes in your oral health that need attention. In this article, we’ll walk through what black marks on teeth are, why they appear, the treatment options a dentist may suggest, and how to reduce your chances of them returning.
What are the Black Marks on my Teeth?
If black marks have appeared on your teeth, know that you’re not alone. This is a common issue among the population. Black marks can appear in several different ways:
- Small black dots on teeth that look like pin-prick spots.
- Irregular black stains or lines that run along the enamel.
- Larger black areas that may suggest tartar build-up or tooth decay.
Dentists usually classify them as either:
- Extrinsic stains: surface marks caused by external factors like diet, habits, or poor oral hygiene.
- Intrinsic stains: deeper discolouration inside the tooth, which may be linked to trauma, decay, or developmental issues.
Understanding whether a black mark is surface-level or internal is important because it helps guide dental decisions and appropriate management.
What Causes Black Marks on Teeth?
Are you wondering why you have black marks on your teeth? Here are some of the most common causes of black dots on teeth:
Foods and Drinks
Many everyday foods and drinks are known to stain enamel. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured soft drinks are common culprits. Chocolate and sauces with strong pigments (like soy or balsamic vinegar) can also leave stains over time.
Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
When teeth aren’t cleaned properly, soft plaque can build up. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which often looks dark brown or black. Because tartar bonds strongly to enamel, it cannot be brushed off and requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco all contain tar and nicotine. These chemicals stick to teeth, gums, and tongue, causing yellow-brown stains that can eventually turn black. Smoking also contributes to gum disease, which can worsen the problem.
Tooth Decay
Sometimes a black mark is more than just a stain — it may be a cavity. As bacteria break down enamel and dentine, the affected tooth can turn dark. Left untreated, decay can spread deeper and compromise the tooth’s structure.
Other Causes
Certain medications, medical conditions, or childhood exposure to excess fluoride may also contribute to intrinsic darkening of teeth.
How To Get Rid of Black Marks on Teeth
The right solution depends on whether the stain is extrinsic or intrinsic. After a check-up, your dentist will explain which options are suitable and outline the risks and benefits of each.
When it comes to removing black marks from your teeth, the type of stain will determine the treatment required.
Extrinsic stains will generally require treatments that target the outside of the tooth, like professional teeth whitening. Intrinsic stains usually require more serious procedures that treat inner tooth issues.
At Dental Boutique, we offer a range of general and cosmetic dental services.
Professional Clean
The first step for most patients is a scale and clean. This removes plaque and tartar deposits that brushing and flossing cannot. In many cases, a cleaning alone may significantly improve the appearance of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
For extrinsic stains, whitening treatments may help lighten enamel.
- In-chair whitening: carried out by a dentist using professional-strength gels.
- Take-home whitening kits: provided by your dentist with custom trays and gels to use at home.
Results vary between patients and not all stains will respond to whitening. Your dentist will advise if whitening is suitable for you.
Porcelain Veneers
When stains are resistant to whitening, or when patients are looking to change tooth shape as well as colour, veneers may be considered. Porcelain veneers are thin coverings of porcelain bonded to the front of teeth.
Like any dental procedure, veneers carry risks and have specific suitability criteria. Learn more about treatment risks here.
Restorative Dental Work
If a black mark is due to tooth decay, your dentist may suggest:
Root canal therapy if decay has reached the tooth pulp, to remove infection and strengthen the tooth. Internal bleaching may be indicated in some clinical situations.
Fillings to restore the tooth after decay removal.
How to Prevent Black Stains and Marks on Teeth
There are a variety of steps you can take to aid in the prevention black tooth marks. Follow these helpful tips:
Practise Consistent Oral Hygiene
- Brush twice daily for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once daily to remove plaque from between the teeth.
- Consider a fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
Make Thoughtful Dietary Choices
- Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and sugary drinks that contribute to staining and decay.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy to support enamel health.
Avoid Tobacco
Avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products can dramatically reduce the risk of black stains, decay, and gum disease.
Book Regular Check-Ups
Visiting your dentist every six months allows early detection of plaque, tartar, or decay before they progress into larger problems.
Experience the Dental Boutique Difference
Fear not: you could still enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of red without impacting the whiteness of your smile. It’s all about maintaining a balanced diet, practising good oral hygiene, and committing to 6-monthly dental appointments.
At Dental Boutique, we’ve aimed to create a judgment-free space to help you address the black marks on your teeth. We use a combination of advanced dental practises and cutting-edge technology.
Summary
- Black marks on teeth can be caused by simple lifestyle factors like coffee or smoking, or by more serious issues such as tartar build-up and tooth decay. While not all black stains can be removed with at-home care, professional dental treatments can often help manage them and support long-term oral health.
- At Dental Boutique™, our registered dentists provide general and cosmetic dental treatments in a supportive, judgement-free space. If you’ve noticed black marks on your teeth, we welcome you to book a consultation. Our team will carefully assess the cause and explain your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.
