Whether they’ve appeared suddenly or you’ve noticed them forming over time, finding black marks on your teeth can be upsetting.
Though some black marks on the teeth are aesthetic only, others may impact your oral health more significantly.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the black marks on your teeth, including why they’ve appeared and how to get rid of them.
What are the Black Marks on my Teeth?
If black marks have appeared on your teeth, know that you’re not alone. This is an extremely common issue among the population.
Black marks on the teeth can appear as small dots, blotchy spots, or irregular lines on the tooth enamel. These stains are classified as extrinsic or intrinsic, depending on how they affect the tooth.
Extrinsic stains refer to black marks that have formed over the tooth enamel, while intrinsic stains relate to discolouration caused by inner tooth problems. The good news is that both types of tooth stains are easily treatable. However, intrinsic stains usually require more serious treatments, like root canal therapy.
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:
Certain Foods and Drinks
Foods and drinks that stain your tooth enamel usually contain chemical agents, artificial dyes, and high sugar levels. The most common culprits include coffee, soda, red wine, and chocolate.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene practices can lead to black spots on teeth, which are a telltale sign of excessive plaque buildup. When teeth are not properly cleaned, plaque and bacteria can erode the enamel, resulting in black marks, tooth decay, and cavities.
If left untreated, the plaque in your mouth will harden and turn into a coating of tartar. Tartar further erodes the enamel, resulting in black tooth stains that can only be treated by a dentist.
Smoking
Smoking can also contribute to the development of tartar. Cigarettes and other products containing tobacco and nicotine leave your teeth, gums, and tongue vulnerable to black stains.
This list makes one thing abundantly clear: some of the causes of black marks on your teeth can be avoided. However, if your teeth are already stained or showing signs of decay, it may be worthwhile investing in our cosmetic dental services.
How To Get Rid of Black Marks on Teeth
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 cosmetic dental services, so rest assured that there’s a treatment for everyone.
Treatments for Extrinsic Tooth Stains
Teeth Whitening
We offer take-home and in-chair teeth whitening treatments to suit your circumstances. This is one of our most popular treatments for restoring pearly whites and removing black marks on the teeth.
Choose our Phillips ZOOM take-home teeth whitening kit to treat tooth stains from the comfort of your own home. This powerful at-home remedy includes whitening trays and gel for effective and convenient treatment.
Our in-chair teeth whitening treatment is simple and completed in an hour. Your dentist will apply the Phillips ZOOM gel to remove black tooth marks and make your teeth up to eight shades whiter.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can transform an entire smile line, improve the function of your teeth, and banish stubborn black tooth marks. This cosmetic treatment can also protect your teeth from future stains and keep your smile bright and beautiful for years to come.
Our VeneerMe⢠porcelain veneers are crafted from high-quality European porcelain. This material allows the light to pass through, reflect off your veneers, and give you a gleaming, aesthetic smile.
Treatments for Intrinsic Stains
Root Canal
In cases of severe tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and ensures a stress-free experience. It involves drilling a small hole into the affected tooth, clearing the decay, and strengthening the tooth’s structure.
How to Prevent Black Stains and Marks on Teeth
There are a variety of steps you can take to prevent black tooth marks. Follow these helpful tips to keep your teeth healthy and pearly white:
- Maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. To achieve the best results, make sure to brush your teeth for 2 minutes with a whitening fluoride toothpaste after each meal. You could also incorporate a mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine to keep your mouth extra clean and free from bacteria.
- Limit the amount of sweet food and sugary drinks you consume. Maintaining a healthy diet is key to avoiding tooth decay and black marks on your teeth.
- Brush your teeth immediately after ingesting foods and drinks that can cause black marks on your teeth.
- Avoid nicotine products at all costs. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
- Commit to bi-annual dentist appointments for routine check-ups and professional cleanings. This will ensure potential issues are identified before they become serious problems.
Experience the Dental Boutique Difference
Fear not: you can 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 created a judgment-free space to help you get rid of the black marks on your teeth and achieve the smile of your dreams. We use a combination of advanced dental practises and cutting-edge technology to ensure successful treatments and rapid results.
Our passionate, friendly, and skilled clinicians will provide you with top-quality stain removal treatments so you can experience a truly radiant smile.
Are you ready to start your journey to a whiter smile? Contact our customer service team or book a consultation today!