Black teeth are a rather embarrassing and annoying occurrence. Although they do make us less confident, they also could be signs of a deeper, more serious problem. Knowing what causes black teeth is, therefore, quite important for both our self-esteem and overall health.
However, what’s even more important than what causes black teeth is how to get rid of them. Better hygiene and eating habits, as well as special cleaning products could help you solve this problem. You can click here to learn more about deep teeth cleaning, one of the many dental procedures that could also be of use. Read on to find out more about each of these causes and solutions, and get your shiny smile back!
What Causes Black Teeth?
Tooth discoloration can happen for various reasons. Anything from simple food stains to serious conditions such as tooth death could cause it.
Poor Oral Hygiene
In the early stages, poor oral hygiene causes stains on your teeth. But if you leave those stains unattended for too long, your teeth could start turning black entirely. By not brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, you allow bacteria and plaque to form in and around your teeth. They then cause discoloration and could lead to even more serious diseases.
Food
Black spots on your teeth are usually caused by the food you eat. Chocolate and different sauces, as well as drinks such as sodas, coffee, wine, and tea, can cause black spots or stains. Foods that contain artificial dyes will leave dark stains on your teeth as well.
Medications
Certain meds, for example iron supplements or antibiotics, might cause tooth discoloration. Black teeth, in this case, are a side effect of the meds. Finding replacement meds is pretty much the only way to prevent it.
Tobacco
Nicotine and tobacco products are one of the main causes of black teeth and black spots on teeth. These products contain particles that can stick to your teeth and stain them. With time, the more you smoke and vape tobacco or chew on it, the more permanent the stains become. Finally, your teeth might turn black or brown fully.
Tartar
When your saliva mixes with food particles and the bacteria in your mouth, a sticky, white film forms over your teeth and gums. This film is called plaque. You get rid of it by brushing your teeth and flossing. However, if you don’t do that regularly, plaque hardens into a more permanent film called tartar. Tartar makes your teeth look discolored, mostly black or dark brown. Once tartar forms, the only one who can remove it is a dentist.
Tooth Decay
Tartar and plaque bacteria on your teeth slowly release acids that eat away at your enamel and weaken your teeth. As enamel slowly disappears, your teeth start turning yellow. With time, this yellow color begins to darken as the acids continue eating away at what’s left. In the end, your teeth will start turning black as the tissue inside of them slowly decays.
Aging
As people age, their enamel slowly degrades, and the color underneath it is revealed. This natural process makes their teeth appear dark, or it causes black spots all over them.
Genetics
Genetics might make your natural teeth color a bit darker than average. Additionally, you might have weak enamel, or your teeth might be more prone to staining. Some hereditary conditions might cause black teeth as well.
How to Get Rid of Black Teeth
Now that you know all the causes of black teeth, it is time to find out how to fix this annoying problem.
Read Also: 11 Fruits for Fresh & Glowing Skin
Regular Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly is of utmost importance. By doing this, you will remove most of the bacteria and plaque that form on your teeth. That will prevent tartar from forming and remove any food or drink stains.
Washing your mouth and brushing your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water could help remove stains caused by smoking. There are specific kinds of toothpaste meant for whitening and mouthwashes you could try as well.
Changing Your Habits
As tooth discoloration and stains are often caused by foods and drinks you consume, changing your diet could help prevent them. Cutting back on things such as soda or excessive amounts of coffee and wine will do wonders for your teeth. Likewise, smoking less or even stopping altogether will improve both your oral and overall health.
Teeth Whitening
Sometimes, the enamel in your teeth is too damaged. In such cases, no amount of brushing, flossing, or special products can help. When that happens, bringing back the shiny whiteness to your smile can be done with teeth whitening.
According to PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24929591/), teeth whitening is a cutting-edge procedure that could change your life. It is the process of bleaching your teeth’s color to make them look white again. How successful teeth whitening will be will depend on the amount of damage. Still, it is a procedure that can cover up almost any amount of damaged enamel.
Though teeth whitening makes your teeth look healthy and brand new, the effect does not last forever. It can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. It mostly depends on the state of your enamel before the procedure, as well as the quality of the procedure itself. Thus, finding a trusted and experienced dentist to whiten your teeth is best.
To Conclude
As you have read, there are many causes of black teeth. Sometimes, changing your eating habits and hygiene will be all you need to get rid of black spots and stains. But sometimes, when the damage is too severe and serious, you will need some professional help. Procedures such as teeth whitening are the best solution in cases like that.
Whichever route you decide to take, it is important to remember that black teeth are never a permanent problem. So, pick a solution that goes best with the kind of problem you have and get your shiny smile back!
